Demands have been made by former President Trump in his hush money payments case, requesting the judge to lift a gag order preventing him from discussing trial witnesses in public.
Trump expressed concern that his constitutional rights were being violated by the gag order, stating that he was unable to address the alleged “lies” being circulated about him in the media during the trial.
Prior to entering the Manhattan courthouse on Friday, Trump briefly remarked, “I am not allowed to speak.”
Emphasizing the need for the gag order to be removed, Trump highlighted the disparity in being silenced while others could freely discuss him. He criticized the judge, alleging a severe conflict, “The conflict must end with the judge. The judge has a conflict. The worst I’ve ever seen.”
According to Fox News, Judge Juan Merchan had imposed the gag order last month on Trump, citing concerns over his “prior extrajudicial statements” that posed a risk to the administration of justice.
Under the order, Trump is prohibited from making or instructing others to make public remarks regarding trial witnesses’ potential involvement or the case’s legal counsel.
Furthermore, Trump is barred from making or instructing public comments about any potential or seated juror as per the judge’s directive.