Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has requested the gag order against Donald Trump remain in place through his sentencing.
According to the Washington Examiner, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has argued that Donald Trump should remain under a gag order while awaiting his July sentencing. This restriction could complicate Trump's preparations for the upcoming presidential debate with Joe Biden in late June.
Matthew Colangelo, a prosecutor for Bragg, who previously held a high-ranking position in the Biden Justice Department, wrote to Judge Juan Merchan to keep the gag order in place. Colangelo's letter requested that the order remain until the July 11 sentencing hearing and through additional post-trial motions.
"The People oppose any immediate termination of the Orders and agree with defendant’s proposal for further briefing," Colangelo stated in his letter, requesting a specific briefing schedule for the post-trial motions.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche argued that the gag order should be lifted, especially now that the trial has concluded. Blanche pointed out that the Biden campaign has used Trump's guilty verdict to discourage voters from choosing him as the next president.
Blanche emphasized the impact on Trump's First Amendment rights, highlighting his status as a leading candidate in the 2024 presidential election. He also cited the upcoming presidential debate on June 27 as a crucial reason for lifting the order.
Blanche added in a footnote that the defense does not concede there was ever a valid basis for the gag order, reserving the right to challenge the First Amendment harms caused by it.
Trump has been fined $10,000 for violating the gag order during the trial, with Judge Merchan warning of potential jail time for further violations. "The last thing I want to consider is jail," Merchan said, acknowledging Trump's status as a former and possibly future president.
Trump's sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be nominated as the 2024 Republican presidential candidate. It remains uncertain whether Trump will face detention time, a fine, or probation, or if the sentencing will be delayed depending on the election's outcome in November.
The gag order has significant implications for Trump's campaign as he navigates the legal and political challenges ahead. With the presidential debate on June 27, the defense argues that Trump's ability to communicate freely is crucial.
"The concerns articulated by the government and the Court do not justify continued restrictions on the First Amendment rights of President Trump," Blanche stated. The defense maintains that the gag order infringes on Trump's ability to engage with the electorate effectively.
The decision to maintain or lift the gag order rests with Judge Merchan, who must balance legal considerations with the broader implications for the upcoming election.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office seeks to extend the gag order against Donald Trump through his July sentencing, raising concerns about its impact on his presidential campaign. The defense argues for lifting the order, citing First Amendment rights and the upcoming debate. Judge Merchan's decision will significantly influence Trump's campaign and the broader election landscape.
