Donald Trump‘s recent remarks on his Truth Social platform have drawn attention and potentially skirted the boundaries of a gag order imposed on him regarding his upcoming trial.
Trump’s post questioned whether Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, had been prosecuted for lying, insinuating selective justice.
Cohen is anticipated to be a significant witness in the trial, set to commence with jury selection on Monday, marking the first criminal trial involving a former U.S. president.
The trial centers on accusations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a payment of $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, allegedly to silence her about an alleged affair with Trump.
Cohen, who has implicated Trump in the payment, previously pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to it and later admitted to lying to Congress about a real estate project in Moscow.
In March, Justice Juan Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump at prosecutors’ request, preventing him from discussing witnesses’ involvement in the case.
The order was extended in April to include Trump’s family and members of the Manhattan District Attorney’s family. However, Trump’s recent statements on Truth Social criticized Merchan and Cohen, raising concerns about adherence to the gag order.
Trump’s persistent social media commentary, branding Cohen and Daniels as “sleaze bags,” suggests a defiance of legal constraints and fuels perceptions of political persecution.
Trump’s characterization of the judge and district attorney adds complexity to an already contentious legal battle.
