NEW YORK (Reuters) – A New York appeals court on Thursday denied Donald Trump’s attempt to end a gag order in his criminal case to hush money, rejecting the Republican president’s argument that his conviction in May “constitutes a change in circumstances” that justifies lifting restrictions.
A five-judge panel on the state’s mid-level appeals court ruled that the trial judge, Juan M. Merchan, was right to extend parts of the gag order until Trump was sentenced, writing that “the fair administration of justice necessarily includes the sentence. ”
Merchan imposed the gag order in March, a few weeks before the trial began, after prosecutors raised concerns about Trump’s habit of attacking people involved in his cases. During the trial, he found Trump in contempt of court and fined him $10,000 for violations, and threatened to arrest him if he did it again.
The judge lifted some restrictions in June, freeing Trump to comment on witnesses and jurors but keeping prosecutors, court staff and their families — including his own daughter — off limits until he is convicted.
Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, was originally scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, but Merchan postponed the sentencing to September 18 if necessary while he weighs a defense request to overturn his conviction following the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling. . .
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