Prosecutors in the criminal hush money case involving former President Donald Trump have urged the judge to maintain provisions of a gag order that prevent him from criticizing jurors and court staff. They have agreed to lift a restriction on his public statements about trial witnesses.
In court filings, prosecutors argued that the gag order is necessary due to Trump's history of inflammatory statements and the threats made by his supporters against jurors. They highlighted Trump's rhetoric about seeking retribution against trial participants following his conviction on 34 felony counts.
The gag order, issued in March, prohibited Trump from making public statements about witnesses and jurors. However, comments about the judge and the Manhattan District Attorney were not restricted.
Trump's defense attorneys have requested the judge to lift the gag order now that the trial has concluded. They argue that Trump should be able to address the case freely as he campaigns for the White House.
Prosecutors agreed to lift the restriction on statements about trial witnesses but emphasized the need to maintain restrictions on comments about court staff and prosecution members due to increased threats. Over 60 threats have been directed at the District Attorney and court staff since April, including social media posts disclosing personal information and threats with sniper sights.
The judge is expected to issue a ruling before Trump's upcoming debate with President Joe Biden. New York's top court recently declined to hear Trump's appeal on the gag order, stating that it does not raise substantial constitutional issues requiring immediate intervention.
