Internet divided as Manhattan DA opposes Donald Trump's push to lift gag order in hush money case

MANHATAN, NEW YORK: Manhattan prosecutors are firmly opposing any “immediate termination” of former President Donald Trump’s gag order following the conclusion of his hush money trial.

The prosecutors' reluctance to narrow the restrictions is evident as they urge the judge to request further written briefings before making a decision.

Prosecutors arguing to maintain Donald Trump's gag order is to protect proceedings 

Trump’s lawyers wrote to Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the trial, asking him to lift the former president’s gag order.

The request came after the jury returned its guilty verdict on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to a hush money scheme last week.

In a letter made public on Wednesday, June 5, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo responded that restrictions were still needed to protect the proceedings.

“These interests have not abated, and the Court has an obligation to protect the integrity of these proceedings and the fair administration of justice at least through the sentencing hearing and the resolution of any post-trial motions,” Colangelo wrote in the letter, according to The Hill. 

Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11

Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11 and Colangelo suggested the judge have the parties submit written briefs debating the gag order when all other post-trial motions are due later this month.

“The People’s opposition will address whether, if at all, it would be appropriate to tailor aspects of the Court’s Orders given the conclusion of the trial,” he added.

“The People oppose any immediate termination of the Orders and agree with defendant’s proposal for further briefing,” Colangelo wrote.

Trump’s gag order prohibits attacks against the families of Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), though Trump is still free to speak about the judge and the district attorney themselves.

“Now that the trial is concluded, the concerns articulated by the government and the Court do not justify continued restrictions on the First Amendment rights of President Trump — who remains the leading candidate in the 2024 presidential election — and the American people,” Trump’s attorneys wrote in their request to the judge.

Internet reactions to DA's opposition to Donald Trump’s push to lift the gag order

Internet gave mixed reactions to the Manhattan DA’s opposition to Trump’s push to lift the gag order.

One user on X suggested, "Until all court proceedings and appeals have been exhausted, the gag order should stay in place!"

Another user wrote, "I think the Judge should lift the gag order— this will determine if Trump deserves prison."

Opinions varied widely, with one user questioning the judge's motives, "How does that make any sense? Is the judge still scared of him?" One joked, "A gag order should be his life sentence."

Another user raised concerns about constitutional rights, "Can this not get appealed before the debate? This is unconstitutional and they have no right to keep a gag order now that the trial is over."

One more added, "Make gag orders illegal. Blatant violation of the first amendment."

"There is no valid reason for the gag to stay. The jury has already decided. It does actually show what the motive for the gag order is if they won't lift it," argued one more.

However one suggested, "Merchan must maintain the gag order even as a condition of any release or home confinement because Trump’s threats/targeting are also effectively being aimed at witnesses in the other cases."

"The other DAs should also tighten up their gag orders in light of trump’s actions," the user added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.