Former US President Donald Trump's appeal to lift a gag order in his New York criminal case was rejected by the New York Court of Appeals, citing 'no substantial constitutional question.' The gag order, imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, restricts Trump from making public comments about witnesses, jurors, and court staff, which his lawyers argue violates his First Amendment rights and impacts his 2024 presidential campaign. Despite Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made during his 2016 campaign, his team continues to contest the gag order, maintaining it wrongfully silences him. Trump's sentencing is scheduled for July 11, and his lawyers have requested the gag order be lifted following the trial's conclusion. The appeals court's decision underscores ongoing legal and constitutional debates surrounding free speech and fair trial administration.