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President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Saturday, April 6, to express his disagreement with a gag order that has been issued in the New York criminal case against him. The criminal trial centers on allegations that Trump paid hush money to Stormy Daniels in 2016 and includes 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
New York Judge Juan Merchan issued an gag order last week which limits Trump’s ability to speak publicly about the case. The order is an expansion of a the previously issued gag order and goes further in restricting Trump’s First Amendment rights.
The expanded order stems from comments made by Trump against Judge Merchan’s daughter, Loren Merchan, and her obvious ties to Democratic campaigns, as well as her consulting firm’s involvement in publicizing the Russian collusion narrative.
Trump has pointed out the conflict of interest and demanded Judge Merchan’s recusal from the case. The expanded order includes prohibitions on speaking against the family members of the Judge or the District Attorney.
Trump criticized Judge Merchan’s gag order as “violating the Law and the Constitution, all at once.”
Trump continued, saying he will stick to his principles even if it means going to jail. “If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the “clink” for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela – It will be my GREAT HONOR,” Trump said.
Trump concluded by reminding his followers that the trials he is facing have implications for the country as a whole. “We have to Save our Country from these Political Operatives masquerading as Prosecutors and Judges, and I am willing to sacrifice my Freedom for that worthy cause.”
The criminal trial against Trump in Judge Merchan’s court is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2024.