Judge Juan M. Merchan has modified the gag order on former President Donald Trump, allowing him to publicly comment on witnesses and jurors involved in his criminal trial. This decision comes after Trump’s felony conviction in the “hush money” case, with sentencing set for July 11.
The judge’s five-page ruling highlighted that the gag order was initially implemented to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings. However, since the trial has concluded and the jury has been discharged, these protections are no longer necessary. This modification permits Trump to resume his critiques of key figures like his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, and adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Despite lifting some restrictions, Judge Merchan maintained a separate order that prevents Trump and his legal team from revealing the identities or addresses of individual jurors. “There is ample evidence to justify continued concern for the jurors,” Merchan stated in his ruling.
Additionally, the judge upheld the prohibition on Trump making comments about court staff, the prosecution team, and their families until sentencing. However, Trump is still free to comment on Judge Merchan and District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who led the prosecution.
Trump’s legal team had argued for a complete removal of the gag order, asserting that it infringed on his First Amendment rights, especially now that the trial has ended. Trump has expressed frustration, claiming the gag order hindered his ability to defend himself while Cohen and Daniels continued to criticize him publicly.