Trump is elated…
On Tuesday, a New York judge partially lifted a gag order imposed on former President Trump’s speech in his hush money criminal case.
The updated terms allow Trump to resume speaking about trial witnesses like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels.
The partial lift however will allow Trump to address the jury who convicted him last month on 34 criminal charges, though the former president remains under a separate protective order that prohibits him from publicly disclosing their identities.
The gag order remains in place when it comes to prosecutors overseeing the case, except for District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) as well as Judge Juan Merchan.
Judge Juan Merchan initially granted prosecutors’ request for a gag order that precluded Trump from making public statements about any witnesses in the case, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, or members of their family. Trump was not restricted from commenting on the judge or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The Hill reports:
Merchan reluctantly lifted those restrictions, saying it would be his “strong preference” to extend the jurors’ protection.
“However, circumstances have now changed. The trial portion of these proceedings ended when the verdict was rendered, and the jury discharged,” Merchan wrote in his ruling.
The partial lifting of the order comes just days before the first 2024 presidential debate on Thursday where Trump is expected to address his conviction in the case.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
1/2 Victory, still controlling Trump