Former President Donald Trump is facing legal troubles as he prepares for his hush-money criminal trial on April 15. New York judge Juan M. Merchan has placed Trump under a gag order following his criticisms of the judge on social media.
The gag order prevents Trump from making any public statements about jurors, witnesses, or court staff involved in the case. This comes after Trump questioned the judge’s impartiality due to his daughter working as a Democratic political consultant.
The hush-money case alleges that Trump falsely listed payments to lawyer Michael Cohen as legal fees, including a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Judge Merchan stated that Trump’s derogatory remarks on social media led to the gag order to maintain the integrity of the case.
Despite arguments from Trump’s lawyers against the gag order, citing violations of his free speech rights, the judge determined it was necessary for the trial’s integrity and the safety of those involved. This was the judge’s first reaction following Trump’s comments on his daughter’s social media profiles.
With four criminal indictments and a civil lawsuit against him, Trump’s legal battles continue to mount. As he faces the upcoming criminal trial, the details surrounding the hush-money case and the gag order imposed by Judge Merchan are sure to keep the spotlight on the former president. Stay tuned as this story unfolds on MazMessenger.
