The judge in Donald Trump’s criminal hush money case has expanded a limited gag order against the former president to include the judge’s family and the district attorney at the request of prosecutors.
The limited gag order is currently in place after President Trump repeatedly targeted Marchan’s daughter on social media over her activities with groups involved in Democratic politics.・Mr. Machan’s family is also targeted.
Judge Marchand last week issued a limited gag order barring President Trump from commenting on potential witnesses in the case, as well as jurors, lawyers, court officials and their families. The order allows Trump to continue publicly commenting on both Marchand and Bragg.
On Monday, prosecutors asked Marchand to clarify whether the limited gag order he issued last week applied to the judge’s family and Bragg’s relatives.
“Defendants have a constitutional right to speak freely with American voters and to defend themselves publicly,” Marchand wrote in his ruling late Monday. But the judge noted the “unusual power” that President Trump’s words have on countless others, and prosecutors cited “grave concerns” that witnesses had expressed about their participation in the trial, which begins April 15. Ta.
“Threats to the integrity of the judicial process are no longer limited to vacillations of the mind, but extend to the willingness of private and public individuals to fulfill their legal obligations before this court,” Machan said. “The existence of a threat to the integrity of the judicial process is no longer just a possibility or a reasonable possibility. The threat is real.”
In response to the ruling, Trump campaign spokesman Stephen Chan said in a statement, “Judge Marchand’s unconstitutional gag order is a violation of core political rights that President Trump, a leading candidate for president of the United States, has the right to: “It’s preventing him from giving a speech.” The highest level of protection under the First Amendment. ”
Marchan’s sentence follows a letter to the court on Friday in which the district attorney’s office said Trump’s attack on the judge’s daughter left other witnesses with serious concerns about their safety. said.
“Defendant’s dangerous, violent, and reprehensible statements fundamentally threaten the integrity of these proceedings and are intended to intimidate witnesses and trial participants alike, including this court.” prosecutors said in a new filing Monday. They are seeking an explanation from a judge and instructions for President Trump to “immediately cease attacking his family.”
Defense attorneys argued Monday that he should be allowed to continue working on those issues.
“President Trump must be allowed to speak on these issues in a manner that is consistent with his position as a viable presidential candidate and his defense efforts,” the defense said. It is not intended to cause harm or harm to anyone.” Their response to the district attorney’s filing.
The defense also asked for permission to file a motion asking Marchand to recuse himself from the trial.
“His Royal Highness’s daughter is a board member and partner at Authentic Campaigns. From February to March 2024, Authentic used social media to mock President Trump and engage with President Biden and Vice President Harris. They touted their connections,” defense attorney Todd Blanche and defense attorney said. Susan Necheres wrote.
“This case will benefit Authentic financially by providing more financing resources for its customers, and Authentic will make more money by assisting with those communications, and will benefit Her Royal Highness’ daughter. will continue to profit from these developments thanks to its senior position at Authentic.” ”
Trump was indicted last April on a 34-count indictment accusing him of falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments made to Daniels by his then-lawyer Michael Cohen days before the 2016 presidential election. pled not guilty to.
Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin April 15 in New York City.
ABC News’ Surin Kim and Larry Ibsa contributed to this report.