Prosecutors Seek Gag Order on Trump in Hush Money Case
Prosecutors Request Gag Order
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has asked for a gag order to prevent Donald Trump from publicly discussing witnesses or revealing juror identities in his New York trial. This request comes in light of Trump’s history of attacking individuals involved in legal proceedings against him.
Trump’s Trial Details
Trump, facing four criminal cases, is set to go on trial in Manhattan on March 25. He faces charges related to hush money paid to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The former president denies any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty.
Response from Trump’s Campaign
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, argues that a gag order would infringe on Trump’s right to free speech, calling it “election interference.” Trump is currently aiming for the Republican nomination for the upcoming election against President Joe Biden.
Implications of Gag Order
If approved, the gag order would prohibit Trump from discussing witnesses’ roles in the case. Additionally, he would be barred from commenting on prosecutors and court staff members, except for Alvin Bragg. This move aims to prevent intimidation and protect the integrity of the legal proceedings.
Previous Legal Actions
Last year, a federal judge imposed similar restrictions in another case involving Trump. The district attorney’s office also seeks to protect jurors’ identities by referring to them by number in court. Trump faces repercussions if he threatens their safety.
Case Background
Prosecutors highlight the alleged cover-up of Trump’s affair with Stormy Daniels, emphasizing the impact of a leaked recording on his campaign. Michael Cohen’s involvement in the payment to Daniels led to his guilty plea for violating campaign finance laws.
Evidence and Motivation
Prosecutors aim to admit the “Access Hollywood” tape as evidence, linking it to the motivation behind the non-disclosure agreement with Daniels. They suggest that Trump’s desperation during the 2016 election influenced the decision to keep the affair hidden.
