The presiding judge in the “Hush Money Case” involving former U.S. President Trump has rejected his request to narrow the scope of the gag order. Trump made the request in order to be able to publicly discuss adult film star Stormy Daniels, who has already completed her testimony in the ongoing criminal trial.
Trump’s lawyer argued that since the key witness Daniels has finished testifying, the judge should lift the gag order protecting her so that Trump can respond to her testimony.
On Thursday afternoon, just hours after Daniels left the witness stand, Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer, made this request, stating that the witness had changed her previous description of events and Trump needed to comment on this.
Blanche said, “He needs an opportunity to respond to the American people,” adding that Daniels no longer had reason to be protected by the gag order because “she is no longer a witness.”
However, Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the case in New York State Supreme Court, rejected this motion, stating that he “cares not only about protecting Daniels.”
Merchan said, “I care about protecting the integrity of the entire legal process,” and added that the gag order was implemented because he was concerned that Trump might attack Daniels and other witnesses and related individuals.
The gag order restricts Trump from making public statements about jurors, witnesses, as well as the families of lawyers, court staff, judges, and district attorneys, but does not limit Trump from commenting on Judge Merchan himself and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Bragg’s office also opposed Trump’s request to partially lift the gag order, stating that “this order is designed to protect a lawsuit.”
Merchan ruled that Trump had violated the gag order at least ten times and has fined Trump $10,000 to date, warning that if he further violates the gag order, the former president could be jailed.
The Hush Money Case trial is the first trial Trump has faced regarding four criminal cases, related to the alleged hush money payment to Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign and concealing an extramarital affair. Bragg has brought 34 felony charges against Trump in this case, including first-degree falsifying business records. In late March 2023, a grand jury in New York found Trump guilty and brought criminal charges. Trump has pleaded not guilty to these charges.