Sorting by

×

Trump Lawyer Backstabs Him

Advertisements

Who saw this coming?

In the aftermath of his hush money trial, Donald Trump faces a crucial decision on the continuation of a gag order until his sentencing on July 11. Robert Ray, a lawyer who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, shockingly expressed support for maintaining the gag order. In an interview with CNN NewsNight, Ray emphasized the importance of safeguarding against potential threats to court personnel and others involved in the case.

“The prosecutor’s concerns about safety are valid,” Ray stated betraying Trump. “In the volatile period leading up to the conclusion of the trial, there’s a real risk of harm to key individuals, including judges, court staff, and prosecutors.”

Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records, prompting Judge Juan Merchan to impose the gag order. This restriction prohibits Trump from publicly discussing court personnel, jurors, potential witnesses, and others connected to his New York trial. Despite facing fines and criminal contempt charges for violating the order multiple times, Trump maintains his innocence and is contemplating an appeal of the verdict.

Manhattan prosecutors recently argued for the continuation of the gag order, citing Trump’s alleged rhetoric suggesting retribution against trial participants. They disclosed receiving numerous threats against District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his team since the trial’s inception in April, underscoring the volatile atmosphere surrounding the case.

Advertisements

Ray underscored that the proceedings aren’t concluded until sentencing, advocating for prudence in maintaining the gag order to ensure a safe and orderly conclusion. “Better safe than sorry,” he remarked, suggesting that such measures are necessary to manage tensions and ensure a fair judicial process.

In contrast, Trump’s legal team has vigorously opposed the gag order, arguing it infringes upon his First Amendment rights. They contend that the concerns raised by prosecutors and the court no longer justify the restrictions, particularly as Trump gears up for his 2024 presidential campaign.

The origins of the gag order trace back to Trump’s social media comments about Judge Merchan’s daughter, which prompted accusations of bias and led to its imposition. Merchan is expected to make a decision on whether to extend the gag order soon, potentially impacting Trump’s ability to participate in upcoming political events, including a scheduled live presidential debate.

Until a decision is made, Trump remains bound by the gag order, restricting his public commentary on the ongoing legal proceedings.