Manhattan DA Demands Trump Cease Attacks on Judge's Family Despite Gag Order

Two days after former President Donald Trump criticized the daughter of the judge overseeing his New York hush money case, lawyers for the Manhattan district attorney have requested the judge to clarify the case's limited gag order.

The lawyers have asked Judge Juan Merchan to "direct that defendant immediately desist from attacks on family members," citing that the March 26 Order protects family members of the Court, the District Attorney, and other mentioned individuals.

[T]his Court should make abundantly clear that the March 26 Order protects family members of the Court, the District Attorney, and all other individuals mentioned in the Order.

Furthermore, they have urged the Court to warn the defendant that his recent conduct is contumacious and direct him to immediately desist.

Response to Trump's Criticism

The request follows Trump's social media criticism of the judge's daughter and his railing against the gag order on Tuesday, which was issued to prohibit him from making comments about potential witnesses, jurors, lawyers, court staff, and their families.

So, let me get this straight, the Judge's daughter is allowed to post pictures of her 'dream' of putting me in jail, the Manhattan D.A. is able to say whatever lies about me he wants, the Judge can violate our Laws and Constitution at every turn, but I am not allowed to talk about the attacks against me - Trump

Prosecutor's Concerns

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass has emphasized the concern of potential witnesses about their safety and the potential influence of Trump's posts on their participation in the upcoming trial scheduled for April 15.

potential trial witnesses and prospective jurors who are not currently the subject of defendant's invective will likely fear having themselves and their family members be subject to similar attacks - Joshua Steinglass

Response from Trump's Defense Attorney

On the other hand, Trump's defense attorney Todd Blanche has responded by arguing that Trump's posts were permitted based on the terms of the limited gag order, which does not explicitly prohibit statements about Merchan's family.

The express terms of the gag order do not apply in the manner claimed by the People - Todd Blanche

Legal Proceedings

Last April, Trump pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just days before the 2016 presidential election.

Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to get underway on April 15 in New York City, with the former president denying all wrongdoing.