Former President Donald Trump has been granted permission to publicly comment on witnesses and jurors in his recent hush money criminal trial, following a modification to his gag order issued by Judge Juan M. Merchan. However, certain limitations remain in place until Trump is sentenced on July 11.
The decision allows Trump to criticize individuals connected to the case, such as his former lawyer Michael Cohen and porn actor Stormy Daniels, ahead of his upcoming debate with President Joe Biden. Trump was convicted of falsifying records and covering up potential scandals, making him the first ex-president to be convicted of such crimes.
Judge Merchan stated that the gag order was meant to protect the judicial proceedings’ integrity, but certain restrictions are no longer necessary post-trial. Although Trump’s legal team can no longer disclose juror identities, concerns for juror safety remain.
Despite these developments, certain restrictions on commenting about court personnel and their families remain in place until sentencing. Trump’s lawyers have contested these limitations, arguing for the removal of all gag order restrictions.
While Trump sees the modification as a win, his campaign spokesperson criticized it as unconstitutional. The Manhattan DA’s office initially requested the ban on juror comments to remain until sentencing but is now willing to allow Trump to discuss witnesses.
The charges against Trump stem from attempts to conceal payments to Daniels before the 2016 election. Sentencing could result in incarceration, fines, or probation, pending the court’s decision.
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