Former President Trump’s defense attorneys have requested the termination of a gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, which restricts Trump from making public statements about witnesses and the case that concluded with his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The defense team argues that the trial has ended, and the reasons for the gag order are no longer valid.
Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, sent a letter to Judge Merchan, outlining their reasons for requesting the removal of the gag order. Blanche stated that the defense team had always disagreed with the justifications for the gag order and that, now that the trial is over, it should be lifted.
Blanche emphasized the importance of Trump’s First Amendment rights, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election and the first debate scheduled for June 27. He also cited comments made by President Biden and his campaign, as well as continued public attacks by government witnesses like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, as reasons why the gag order should be lifted.
The defense team maintains that the gag order violates Trump’s First Amendment rights and the First Amendment rights of his supporters. They argue that Trump, as a leading candidate in the 2024 presidential election, should not be subject to such restrictions.
Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be formally nominated as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. The defense team’s request to terminate the gag order is part of their ongoing efforts to defend Trump and protect his rights.
