A New York judge has partially lifted a gag order on Donald Trump, which was originally imposed during his criminal trial for attempting to influence the 2016 election by silencing an adult entertainment star. The revised order allows Trump to speak publicly about witnesses and comment on the jury, but restrictions on his statements about individual prosecutors and others involved in the case remain. A separate order prohibiting the identification of jury members is still in effect, due to concerns over their safety following attempts by Trump supporters to identify and threaten them.
Trump’s lawyers argued that the gag order hindered his campaign speech and his ability to respond to attacks from President Joe Biden in an upcoming debate. Trump was found guilty on May 30 for covering up a $130,000 hush money payment by his former lawyer Michael Cohen to an adult film actress. Trump denies the alleged encounter and plans to appeal the conviction, with sentencing set for July 11. The gag order was initially imposed due to Trump’s history of threatening statements. Trump was fined $10,000 for violating the order during the trial and was warned of jail time for any further violations. Neither Trump’s lawyer nor the Manhattan District Attorney’s office commented on the revised order.
Source – CGTN