Ladies and gentlemen, let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding former President Donald Trump and his legal battles.
New York’s highest court has just made a significant decision that has major implications for Trump as he navigates his 2024 campaign. So, what’s the scoop? Let’s break it down.
On Tuesday, the New York Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s appeal concerning a gag order in his hush-money case. This decision means that Trump cannot publicly discuss key participants in the case, including jurors and witnesses. The court stated that the appeal did not involve a substantial constitutional issue, effectively keeping the gag order in place.
According to CNBC, Trump’s attorneys had requested Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, to lift the gag order since the trial had concluded. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office argued that the restrictions should remain until after the sentencing hearing and the resolution of certain post-trial motions.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, declared that Trump and his legal team would continue to fight against what they deem an unconstitutional gag order. Cheung emphasized that the order wrongfully silences Trump during a critical time in his campaign, asserting that voters have a fundamental right to hear his message.
The gag order has been a contentious issue throughout Trump’s trial. In May, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of first-degree falsification of business records. This conviction marks the first time a U.S. president has been criminally convicted.
The case revolved around a $130,000 payment intended to keep adult film actress Stormy Daniels from disclosing an alleged past encounter with Trump, aimed at influencing the 2016 presidential election.
The trial featured critical evidence, including altered invoices and checks and significant testimonies from figures like David Pecker, the former CEO of the National Enquirer. The jury, after a day and a half of deliberation, unanimously concluded that Trump intended to commit or cover up crimes that violated both New York state and federal campaign finance laws. Trump’s defense team argued that political bias played a role in the case.
The prosecutors sought the gag order to prevent Trump from potentially intimidating witnesses and influencing jurors through his public statements. Despite the order, Trump often skirted its boundaries, leading to a $10,000 fine for multiple violations, including comments about his former attorney Michael Cohen.
The judge warned Trump that further breaches could result in imprisonment. Trump’s legal team challenged the gag order, citing First Amendment violations, but the appellate court upheld the order.
🚨Breaking: New York Court Denies President Trump’s Gag Order Appeal. Trump Still Gagged After Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in Hush Money Trial.
This all has to go to the Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/ujTnUrNQgP
— ᗩℓιѕѕα♡ (@Alissa4TheUSA) June 18, 2024
