Lawyers representing Donald Trump are seeking a ruling from a New York appeals court regarding their challenge to the gag order placed on the former president. The gag order limits what Trump can say about witnesses in a criminal hush money trial. Trump’s legal team filed an order to show cause on Wednesday, although the details of this filing have been sealed. The Manhattan district attorney’s office has opposed this filing, resulting in the matter being brought before the appeals court.
Trump’s legal team is specifically requesting that the full panel of appellate judges rule on the constitutionality of the gag order. Previously, the lawyers had asked an appeals court judge to take emergency action to stop the trial so they could appeal the gag order. However, the appeals court judge denied this request after hearing oral arguments. Both sides were then instructed to file written briefs, but no decision has been made yet. Trump’s attorneys are now pushing for an expedited ruling from the appellate panel regarding the constitutionality of the gag order.
Judge Juan Merchan has found Trump in violation of the gag order on 10 occasions and fined him $10,000 for public statements he made about certain witnesses and the jury involved in the trial. Earlier in the week, Merchan warned Trump that further violations could result in sanctions, potentially leading to incarceration. The judge expressed concern that the fines were not deterring Trump from violating the gag order, and these violations were seen as a threat to the rule of law. As a result, the court is taking the issue of the gag order very seriously and is considering the necessary measures to ensure compliance.
Overall, the legal battle surrounding the gag order in Trump’s criminal hush money trial is ongoing. Trump’s legal team is actively challenging the constitutionality of the gag order and seeking a ruling from the appeals court. The issue has escalated, with the judge warning Trump of potential sanctions, including incarceration, if he continues to violate the gag order. The court is emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and the proper conduct of legal proceedings. It remains to be seen how the appeals court will rule on this matter and what further actions may be taken to enforce compliance with the gag order.
