In a significant legal development, a judge in New York has issued a gag order against Donald Trump, the former president, restricting him from discussing potential witnesses in his forthcoming criminal trial concerning hush money payments. This directive, handed down by Judge Juan Merchan, extends to prohibiting Trump from making or inciting others to make public comments about the attorneys, court staff, or family members of either prosecutors or lawyers in a manner that could disrupt the proceedings.
The gag order, however, does not encompass New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who holds the status of a public figure. Furthermore, Trump is expressly forbidden from making statements or encouraging others to comment on any potential or confirmed jurors involved in the trial.
The trial, which marks a historic moment, is set to commence with the selection of jurors on April 15. This follows a delay instigated by a dispute over the late submission of documents. Trump faces 34 charges of falsifying business records, charges that stem from reimbursements to Michael Cohen for hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. These payments were allegedly made to prevent Daniels from disclosing an affair with Trump, a claim he has vehemently denied, pleading not guilty to all charges.
This story is currently unfolding and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.