A New York judge has partially eased the gag order imposed on former President Donald Trump in his hush-money case, permitting him to publicly discuss witnesses and make general comments about jurors involved in his trial. Justice Juan Merchan’s ruling on Tuesday allows Trump more freedom of speech regarding these specific aspects of the case, while maintaining restrictions on discussing court staff, prosecutors, and their families.
The identities of the jurors, whose anonymity was preserved due to the trial’s high-profile nature, remain protected under the judge’s decision. Trump, who has been vocal in his opposition to the gag order, criticized Justice Merchan’s latest ruling through a spokesperson, labeling it as “another unlawful decision by a highly conflicted judge.”
Initially imposed in late March and expanded after Trump’s social media comments targeting the judge’s daughter, the gag order had previously led to fines and threats of jail time for the former president. Following Trump’s conviction in May for falsifying business records related to a pre-election hush-money payment, his legal team sought to lift the full gag order, focusing specifically on comments about witnesses.
While prosecutors did not contest the modification allowing Trump to discuss witnesses, Justice Merchan emphasized the ongoing responsibilities of court personnel and prosecutors until sentencing, warranting continued protection from public commentary. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, marking a historic moment as the first criminal conviction of a former U.S. president.
The case continues to draw significant attention as legal proceedings unfold, shaping perceptions of justice and executive accountability in American politics.
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