A New York appeals court has denied former President Donald Trump’s request to lift the remaining portions of a gag order imposed on him in a case involving charges of falsifying business records. Trump was found guilty on all counts and is currently appealing the ruling. The gag order, initially imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, restricts Trump’s ability to make public statements about court staff, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and family members involved in the case. It also prohibits him from commenting on witnesses.
Trump has consistently argued that the gag order violates his First Amendment rights. The denial of his request to lift the gag order leaves the order in place.
Trump’s sentencing, originally scheduled for July 11th, was delayed following the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. This ruling stated that a former president is immune from prosecution for official acts while in office, but not for unofficial acts. The court left it to lower courts to determine the line between official and unofficial actions.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump’s attorneys have filed a motion to overturn the guilty verdict. They argue that certain evidence presented during the trial, including testimony from former White House officials, was related to Trump’s official acts and should not have been admitted under the immunity ruling. They also claim that the charges against Trump were politically motivated and violate the Presidential Immunity doctrine.
Judge Merchan has agreed to delay Trump’s sentencing until September 18th while the motion to overturn the verdict remains pending. The outcome of this motion, which is expected to be decided in the coming weeks, could have significant implications for Trump’s ongoing legal battles and his presidential campaign.
