Donald Trump: New York Court upholds gag order in hush money case

In a significant legal blow to Donald Trump, the New York Court of Appeals has declined to hear an appeal against the gag order imposed in his hush money case.

This decision leaves the gag order, designed to prevent Trump from making public attacks on the jury, witnesses, court staff, and prosecutors, firmly in place.

The court dismissed the appeal on the basis that “no substantial constitutional question is directly involved,” effectively upholding the restrictions put in place by Judge Juan Merchan. The gag order aims to maintain the integrity of the judicial process amid Trump’s high-profile legal battles.

Trump and his legal team had been striving to overturn the gag order, arguing that it infringes on his freedom of speech. However, the court’s decision means Trump remains barred from making inflammatory statements related to the case as he awaits sentencing on July 11 for his 34 felony convictions.

By maintaining the gag order, the court seeks to prevent Trump from using his platform to potentially influence or intimidate those involved in the proceedings through smears, insults, and threats.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to preserving the fairness and impartiality of the trial process, despite the high stakes and public attention surrounding the case.