Court Dismisses Trump Appeal on Gag Order

New York's highest court has dismissed former President Donald Trump's appeal to lift a gag order in his hush money case, stating that 'no substantial constitutional question is directly involved'. The gag order, which partially remains in effect until Trump's sentencing on November 26, restricts Trump from making public remarks about prosecutors, court staff, and their families, although he can speak about Judge Juan Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump argued that the gag order violates his First Amendment rights, but his appeals were rejected by lower courts and the New York Court of Appeals. The gag order was initially imposed to prevent Trump from influencing witnesses and jurors during his trial, but these restrictions were partially lifted after his conviction in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump's legal team has indicated plans to continue fighting the order, emphasizing its impact on his 2024 presidential campaign.