Amidst the ongoing legal battle surrounding former President Donald Trump’s hush money case, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has submitted a request to clarify the scope of a gag order issued by New York State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan.
The request seeks confirmation that the order restricting Trump’s public statements about the case also applies to his family members.
The Manhattan DA’s Office, in a letter dated Thursday and acknowledged on Friday, expressed concerns about potential intimidation tactics targeting trial witnesses and prospective jurors.
This comes after Trump’s recent criticism of Judge Merchan and his daughter, prompting fears of extended attacks on individuals associated with the case.
Prosecutors emphasized the need for clarity, stating, “this Court should make abundantly clear that the March 26 Order protects family members of the Court, the District Attorney, and all other individuals mentioned in the Order.”
In response, Trump’s legal team argued against the expansion of the gag order, asserting that the “express terms” do not extend to family members.
They suggested that any modification to the order should undergo thorough adversarial briefing, highlighting constitutional concerns regarding protected campaign speech.
Judge Merchan’s ruling earlier this week mandated Trump to refrain from making public statements about potential witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors involved in the hush money case.
This decision was met with criticism from Trump’s campaign spokesman, who labeled it as “unconstitutional” and inhibiting core political speech.
The hush money case, brought forth by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, includes 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is scheduled to commence on April 15.
