Trump's Gag Order Appeal Rejected by New York Court

A New York appeals court rejected Donald Trump's request to end a gag order in his hush money case. The court ruled the gag order would remain until Trump's sentencing. The order was initially imposed due to Trump's tendency to attack case participants. Some restrictions were lifted in June.

A New York appeals court on Thursday denied Donald Trump's bid to end a gag order in his hush money criminal case, dismissing the Republican president's argument that his May conviction “constitutes a change in circumstances” that warrants lifting the restrictions.

The five-judge panel in the state's mid-level appellate court upheld the decision of trial judge Juan M Merchan to extend parts of the gag order until Trump is sentenced, stating that “the fair administration of justice necessarily includes sentencing.”

Judge Merchan had imposed the gag order in March, shortly before the trial commenced, after prosecutors expressed concerns over Trump's pattern of attacking individuals involved in his cases. During the trial, Trump was held in contempt of court and fined $10,000 for violations, with further threats of jail time if he continued.

In June, Merchan lifted some restrictions, allowing Trump to comment on witnesses and jurors, but maintaining prohibitions on commentary about trial prosecutors, court staffers, and their families — including the judge's own daughter — until sentencing.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing. He was originally scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, but Merchan postponed sentencing until September 18, if needed, to consider a defense request to overturn the conviction following the Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling.