Trump has made the New York case and a long list of other investigations into his personal, professional and presidential conduct central to his 2024 campaign to regain the White House. Portrays itself as the victim of a concerted, politically motivated effort tarnish his chances.
Trump regularly discusses the cases at his rallies, speeches, television appearances and on social media.He has repeatedly attacked prosecutors, plaintiffs, and judges by name, including silent money, and shows no sign of backing down—even in A recent $5 million ($7.4 million) verdict in a sexual abuse and defamation lawsuit brought against him by a writer.
Trump’s criminal case involves allegations of hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and others, as well as falsified business documents.Credit: Associated Press
the plaintiff in that case, the writer E. Jean Carroll, new claim filed Monday Seeking an additional $10 million or more to hold Trump accountable for comments he blasted at her on CNN the day after the May 9 sentencing.
Trump responded Tuesday that Carroll’s allegations were a “false, made-up story” and an “outright hoax” and that her case was “part of the Democratic playbook to tarnish my reputation and character.”
Merchant spent most of the 15-minute hearing reviewing an order he issued on May 8 that set ground rules for Trump’s conduct ahead of the trial.
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Merchan said it was not a gag order and that Trump was free to speak about the case and defend himself, but he could not use evidence turned over by prosecutors to attack witnesses or post sensitive documents on social media. If he disobeyed orders, he risked being held in contempt.
Among the concerns raised by prosecutors is that Trump could weaponize “highly personal information” found on witnesses’ cellphones, such as personal photos and text messages with family and friends — along with secret grand jury testimony and other material — to stoke the ire of his supporters.
Nothing in the order prevents Trump from being able to “forcefully and convincingly speak out” without “starting attacking individuals, disclosing names, addresses, cell phone numbers, identities, dates of birth, or anything of the sort.” “Defend yourself. The merchant said. Certain sensitive material shared by prosecutors must be held only by Trump’s lawyers, not Trump himself.
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Prosecutors applied for the order shortly after Trump’s arrest, citing what they said was his history of “harassing, embarrassing and threatening remarks” toward those he has entangled in legal disputes.
Trump did not appear in person in court on Tuesday (New York time), avoiding the enormous security and logistical challenges of his arraignment last month.
Instead, the Republican was connected via video conference and his face appeared on television monitors around the courtroom.
Trump does not need to appear in court again until Jan. 4, weeks before the first primary vote is expected to take place.
