Manhattan DA Urges Stronger Gag Order on Trump

The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, has accused former President Donald Trump of making extreme and deliberate provocations aimed at undermining his hush money trial. Bragg asserted that Trump's actions are intended to intimidate trial participants and witnesses, including the judge's family. The district attorney filed a request in the New York Supreme Court on Monday, urging the judge to bolster the existing gag order on Trump.

Allegations of Targeting Judge's Family

Bragg's filing follows Trump's social media posts targeting Judge Juan Merchan's daughter, who is associated with a Democratic political firm. The posts prompted Bragg to condemn Trump's "dangerous, violent, and reprehensible rhetoric" and emphasize its potential threat to the trial's integrity. The indictment against Trump involves charges of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.

Trump's Lawyers' Assertions

Trump's attorneys highlighted their concerns about Judge Merchan's daughter's role at a Democratic consultant firm, Authentic Campaigns. They also accused the judge of violating legal guidelines by participating in an interview with The Associated Press, where he refrained from discussing the case. The attorneys further raised issues about the New York Office of Court Administration's statement regarding a social media account linked to the judge's daughter, which they deemed problematic.

Delay in Trial

The trial, which is slated to commence jury selection on April 15, has been marred by attempts from Trump's legal team to either dismiss the indictment or postpone the proceedings. Citing prejudicial press coverage, Trump's lawyers are currently seeking a significant delay in the trial.