A panel of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division has upheld the gag order in the hush-money trial of former president Donald Trump. The ruling maintains Justice Juan Merchan’s decision to continue the restraining order, underscoring that the fair administration of justice extends through sentencing. This decision follows Trump’s conviction on May 30 for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
The appellate court cited “significant and imminent threat” posed by threats received by District Attorney staff post-verdict, justifying the continuation of the gag order until sentencing takes place. This includes preserving the restriction that prevents Trump from issuing statements about court staff, the District Attorney’s staff, and family members involved, aimed at averting further interference.
Justice Merchan had originally implemented the gag order in March, expanding it in April to mitigate what were described as “threatening, inflammatory, [and] denigrating” statements from Trump. Trump’s legal team argued for the termination of paragraph (b) of the gag order, claiming changed circumstances post-trial.
However, the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division disagreed, maintaining paragraph (b) which restricts Trump and his associates from making public statements about attorneys, court and District Attorney staff, and their families, given their potential to materially interfere with the ongoing legal processes.
Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for September 18, marking the next significant date in this prolonged legal drama. The restriction ensures that the remaining proceedings occur without additional security concerns and undue influence stemming from public commentary by the former president.
For further details, you can refer to the full report on JURIST.