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Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026
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Trump's Lawyers Argue Hush Money Gag Order Restricts Campaign Speech
Donald Trump's lawyers argue that the gag order from his hush money trial restricts his campaign speech while his opponents use it politically. They request the judge lift the order, which currently prevents Trump from discussing jurors, witnesses, and other involved parties. Trump is appealing his guilty verdict on falsifying business records to cover a one hundred thirty thousand dollar payment, with sentencing on July 11.
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump's attorneys have requested that Judge Juan Merchan lift the gag order placed during his hush money trial, labeling it as a tool for political opponents.
Defense lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove argued that the restrictions hinder Trump's ability to respond to attacks from Democratic President Joe Biden, who referred to Trump as a 'convicted felon.' The gag order, however, only restricts Trump from discussing jurors, witnesses, and other individuals involved in the court case, not the case itself.
Trump, found guilty on May 30 of falsifying business records to conceal a one hundred thirty thousand dollar payment to Stormy Daniels, seeks to appeal the verdict following his July 11 sentencing.
The trial marked the first criminal case against a U.S. president.
During the trial, Trump was fined one thousand dollars for each of ten gag order violations.
Proposals from prosecutors suggest maintaining the gag order until sentencing to protect the trial's integrity.
Defense lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove argued that the restrictions hinder Trump's ability to respond to attacks from Democratic President Joe Biden, who referred to Trump as a 'convicted felon.' The gag order, however, only restricts Trump from discussing jurors, witnesses, and other individuals involved in the court case, not the case itself.
Trump, found guilty on May 30 of falsifying business records to conceal a one hundred thirty thousand dollar payment to Stormy Daniels, seeks to appeal the verdict following his July 11 sentencing.
The trial marked the first criminal case against a U.S. president.
During the trial, Trump was fined one thousand dollars for each of ten gag order violations.
Proposals from prosecutors suggest maintaining the gag order until sentencing to protect the trial's integrity.
