Bragg Wants To Impose Gag Order On Trump
Former President Donald Trump is facing yet another legal battle as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg seeks a gag order against him in the case involving alleged hush money payments made prior to the 2016 presidential election. On Monday, Bragg's office filed a motion, calling for a gag order to be imposed on Trump, citing his "long history of making public and inflammatory remarks" about participants in judicial proceedings against him.
According to the motion, these remarks pose a significant threat to the orderly administration of the criminal proceeding and could potentially cause material prejudice. The charges against Trump stem from a 34-count felony indictment in which he is accused of repeatedly and fraudulently falsifying New York business records to conceal crimes during the 2016 election. Bragg stated that the "trail of money and lies" exposes a pattern that violates New York's fundamental business laws.
Trump has continuously denied any wrongdoing in the case, which was brought forth by Bragg's office in April 2023. He has yet to publicly comment on the proposed gag order. The gag order would prohibit Trump from making or directing others to make comments or statements about the case and anyone involved in it. It would also prevent him from making or directing others to make public statements about any prospective juror or juror in the criminal proceeding.
This proposed gag order comes after Trump was already placed under a gag order in a federal indictment brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith for alleged election interference in connection to the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. In response to the motion for the gag order, Trump's legal team filed a motion seeking to bar his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, from testifying in the trial, calling him a "liar."
The judge overseeing the case has not yet ruled on the proposed gag order. Trump's trial is set to begin on March 25, although it is currently unknown if he plans to attend. If found guilty, Trump could face serious consequences, including potential jail time.
In the indictment, Bragg's office alleges that Trump made hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to conceal information from the voting public during the 2016 election. This could have potentially influenced the outcome of the election, leading to further charges such as election interference and tampering.
In recent weeks, Trump has made a number of public appearances and statements, hinting at his plans to run for president again in 2024. If convicted in this case, it could potentially hinder those plans and seriously damage his political future.
The proposed gag order also highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and the state of New York. Trump has a long history of controversial statements and actions, particularly on social media, which have drawn criticism and legal challenges. This proposed gag order further showcases the state's determination to hold Trump accountable for his actions and uphold the rule of law.
However, some critics argue that a gag order would violate Trump's freedom of speech and potentially interfere with his ability to defend himself in the case. Others believe that Trump's past comments and behavior in similar situations warrant the imposition of a gag order to maintain the integrity of the proceedings and protect the rights of others involved.
Until the judge makes a ruling on the gag order, the public will have to wait to see how this trial will unfold and whether Trump will be held accountable for his alleged actions. This legal battle is just one of many ongoing challenges facing the former president as he continues to fight against numerous legal battles and attempts to maintain a foothold in the political arena.