A court ruling on Monday ordered Donald Trump to refrain from verbal attacks targeting family members of a New York judge, ahead of his trial concerning hush money payment to a porn star.
The judge expanded the existing gag order, emphasizing concerns for the safety of trial participants and their loved ones.
Prosecutors in New York had raised concerns over Trump’s attempts to intimidate potential witnesses by making derogatory remarks about the judge’s daughter on social media.
Trump’s post, referring to the judge’s daughter as a “Rabid Trump Hater,” prompted the call for stricter enforcement of the gag order, which already prohibited Trump from publicly commenting about witnesses and court staff.
The prosecution argued that Trump’s actions displayed a dangerous sense of entitlement, seeking to instigate fear and physical harm to the loved ones of those involved in the trial. They emphasized that family members of trial participants must be strictly off-limits.
Trump’s defense lawyers contended that his posts did not violate the gag order and were not intended to interfere with the trial proceedings or cause harm.
However, the court upheld the expanded gag order, stressing the need to maintain the integrity of the trial process and ensure the safety of all involved.
The trial, scheduled to begin on April 15 in New York state court, centers on criminal charges related to a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to silence her about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records and has pleaded not guilty.
The case is one of several legal challenges Trump faces as he gears up for the November election. With a gag order now in place, Trump could face fines or jail time if he violates the court’s directive, highlighting the gravity of the situation as the trial approaches.
