In the legal case involving Donald Trump and hush money payments, the judge has extended a limited gag order to include the family members of both the judge and the district attorney, Alvin Bragg. This extension follows a request from prosecutors, prompted by Trump's repeated social media attacks on Judge Juan Merchan's daughter, who is associated with a group linked to Democratic politics.
Last week, Judge Merchan issued a limited gag order preventing Trump from commenting on potential witnesses, jurors, lawyers, court staff, and their families.
However, Trump was still permitted to make public comments about Merchan and Bragg.
In response to prosecutors' concerns, Judge Merchan clarified that while Trump has a constitutional right to speak freely to the American public and defend himself, his words can significantly impact the judicial process.
The judge expressed concern about individuals' willingness to fulfill their lawful duties in the face of such rhetoric, citing a real threat to the proceedings.
A spokesperson for the Trump campaign criticized the gag order, arguing that it infringes on Trump's right to engage in protected political speech under the First Amendment.
Prosecutors had raised concerns about Trump's attacks on the judge's daughter, stating that such rhetoric threatens the integrity of the proceedings and is intended to intimidate witnesses and trial participants.
They requested a clarifying order from the judge and asked Trump to immediately cease his attacks on family members.
In response, Trump's defense argued that he should be allowed to speak on these issues without materially interfering with the proceedings or causing harm.
They also sought permission to file a motion requesting Judge Merchan to recuse himself from the trial, citing the financial interests of the judge's daughter in a company connected to the case.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels by his then-attorney Michael Cohen just days before the 2016 presidential election.