A New York appeals court judge denied former President Donald Trump’s motion to pause his upcoming criminal trial, rejecting his arguments against a gag order. The trial is set to begin on April 15, and this decision was the second time the court declined to delay it. Trump’s attorney argued that the gag order, which prevents Trump from making public attacks against the judge’s daughter, is unconstitutional. On the other hand, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office pointed out Trump’s history of attacking family members of people involved in cases against him.
Trump had also filed a lawsuit against the judge in his case, Juan Merchan, seeking to have the gag order lifted and to delay the trial while he pursues a change of venue. The appellate court first addressed the request for a delay but denied it. Associate Justice Cynthia Kern also declined to delay the trial on Tuesday but indicated that a panel of appellate judges will review the issues raised by Trump. Trump’s attorney argued against the gag order on the grounds of First Amendment violations, claiming it hindered his ability to respond to attacks from key witnesses.
The attorney for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office countered that lifting the gag order would allow Trump to make inflammatory remarks about individuals involved in the case. The court also rejected the request to delay the trial for the gag order appeal, stating that there was no basis for staying a criminal trial for that reason. Trump’s frustration with the gag order stems from it preventing him from making social media attacks against the judge, whom he accused of bias due to his daughter’s affiliation with a consulting firm aligned with Democrats.
In addition to seeking a change of venue and the lifting of the gag order, Trump has previously attempted to have the judge recused from the case, which was denied in 2023 after a review determined there was no ethical compromise. The ongoing legal battle surrounding the trial reflects the tensions between Trump and the judicial system. Despite the denial of the motion to pause the trial and lift the gag order, Trump’s legal team will continue to pursue these issues before a panel of appellate judges. The outcome of these appeals could have significant implications for the trial proceedings.
