Former assistant U.S. attorney Andy McCarthy joined ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss his take on Trump’s civil trial in New York City. A New York judge has lifted the gag order imposed on former President Donald Trump in his civil fraud trial stemming from state Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit against him and the Trump Organization.
The gag order, which was put in place by Judge Arthur Engoran in October, aimed to block all parties from making derogatory statements about Engoran’s court staff. However, citing concerns over free speech, appeals court Judge David Friedman issued a stay on the order on Thursday.
Friedman questioned Engoran’s authority to limit Trump’s speech outside the courtroom, suggesting that gag orders are typically used in criminal trials where there is a fear of swaying a jury. Trump’s lawyers also argue that they have no plans to inhibit the former president’s First Amendment rights.
Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, a social media platform he recently launched, and criticized Engoran for his handling of the case. Trump accused Engoran of having a politically biased and out-of-control court clerk who is sinking the court to new lows.
The former president reiterated his innocence and accused Attorney General Letitia James of conducting an illegal witch hunt against him. He claimed that Engoran’s actions will discourage businesses and jobs from coming to New York State.
It is important to note that the Associated Press has contributed to this report.
This latest development in Trump’s civil trial raises questions about the limitations of free speech in legal proceedings and highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding the former president. The lifting of the gag order allows Trump to freely discuss the case and defend himself against the allegations made by Attorney General Letitia James. The ruling also sheds light on the contentious relationship between Trump and the New York judicial system.
Brandon Gillespie is an associate editor at [publication name]. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_cg for the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
