A judge in New York on Tuesday relaxed the gag order for former US President Donald Trump. Circumstances have “now changed,” Juan Merchan justified. In concrete terms, the politician may now publicly comment on the jury and witnesses in his trial.
He may also say something publicly about the conviction. The gag order was imposed in connection with the hush money trial in New York. Trump was found guilty on May 30 of falsifying company records to cover up a hush money payment to former porn actress Stormy Daniels. By paying she had to keep quiet about an alleged sex affair with Trump ten years ago – the politician denies this.
Multiple prohibition violations
The gag order on the trial was initially imposed because Trump had publicly commented on, among others, the families of the judge and the chief prosecutor. He has repeatedly violated this and must therefore pay a fine of 10,000 dollars (about 9,300 euros). After the current relaxation, the American presidential candidate is still allowed to reveal the identity of the jury. This is to protect them from attacks and intimidation.
Punishment not yet known
The sentence for the hush money affair is still pending. This will be announced on July 11. The politician faces a prison sentence, although experts think probation or a fine is more likely. This is the first criminal conviction and is not a violent crime.
Source: Krone
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