‘That does apply doubly to Mr. Trump, because he is a candidate for the presidency of the United States.’
Attorneys for former President Donald Trump filed on March 4 a response opposing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s proposed gag order ahead of trial this month.
The court has already declined to issue a gag order in this case once, and the trial will be highly publicized as the first-ever criminal prosecution of any American president—sitting or former.
During President Trump’s arraignment last April, Judge Juan Merchan made a “request” of both parties to dial down inflammatory language. However, he also said he would not enter a protective order at the time, citing President Trump’s candidacy.
“Certainly, the Court would not impose a gag order at this time even if it were requested. Such restraints are the most serious and least intolerable on First Amendment rights,” he said, according to court filings. “That does apply doubly to Mr. Trump, because he is a candidate for the presidency of the United States. So, those First Amendment rights are critically important, obviously.”
Gag Order and Campaign TimingThe trial has been set for March 25, and this month is a busy one on the election calendar, as