The New York judge overseeing the trial involving Donald Trump has lifted part of a gag order against the former president.
Judge Juan Merchan announced on Tuesday that Trump can now publicly discuss jurors and witnesses from the trial. Previously, Trump was barred from speaking about the jury and witnesses to protect the judicial proceedings’ integrity.
Merchan stated that prosecutors did not object to lifting the gag order regarding Trump talking about witnesses.
Related Story: Missouri attorney general to sue New York over hush money case against former President Donald Trump
Even though Merchan preferred to maintain restrictions on Trump speaking about the jury, as they are not involved in Trump’s sentencing, he decided to lift that part of the gag order as well.
In May, a jury convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Merchan retained parts of the gag order preventing Trump from discussing District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s staff and family members, as well as court staff and their families.
After imposing the gag order on March 26, Merchan found Trump in violation of the order multiple times and threatened jail time for further violations.
Related Story: Prosecutor in Trump classified documents case clashes with judge over gag order request
Prosecutors accused Trump of breaking the gag order by making derogatory comments about key witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels and trying to influence the jury. Merchan cited a juror’s request for dismissal after Trump reposted remarks from Fox News on April 17. The remarks suggested “undercover liberal activists lying to the judge to get on the Trump jury.” Trump has argued that the gag order violates his free speech rights.
