A New York judge has partially lifted a gag order on former President Donald Trump, allowing him to comment on witnesses and the jury in his “hush money” prosecution case, provided he does not reveal jurors’ identities. Justice Juan Merchan, who issued the ruling, has left in place restrictions on Trump’s ability to comment on prosecutors, court staff, and their families. This decision followed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office’s acceptance of lifting limits on comments about witnesses while urging to maintain restrictions on comments about the jury until after sentencing on July 11.
Merchan emphasized his preference to protect jurors from further public comment by Trump but acknowledged that he can no longer bar Trump from discussing them generally since the trial has concluded. The provision preventing the disclosure of personal information about the jurors, including their identities, remains intact.
Trump has been permitted to criticize Merchan and Bragg themselves under the gag order but not others who work for them or their families. Merchan justified maintaining these protections until sentencing to ensure those involved can perform their duties without threats or harassment.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the remaining portions of the gag order as unconstitutional and stated that Trump would continue to challenge it. New York’s highest court dismissed an appeal of the gag order on June 18, citing no substantial constitutional question was directly involved.
Prosecutors expressed ongoing safety concerns for jurors, noting that Trump’s supporters have attempted to identify jurors and threatened violence against them. Since the original gag order was imposed on March 26, Trump has violated it ten times through interviews and social media posts about both witnesses and the jury.
Trump was convicted on May 30 of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a scheme to cover up reimbursements for a “hush money” payment to an adult film star before the 2016 election. He denies any wrongdoing and is scheduled to be sentenced in the case on July 11.
