(VitalNews.org) – Even though he is the president-elect of the United States, the ban imposed on Donald Trump remains in place after the highest court in the land decided to uphold it.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a gag order on Trump in his New York criminal case has been labeled a glaring assault on free speech.
Justice Samuel Alito, typically seen as a reliable conservative voice, handled the denial of Trump’s request to lift the gag order.
This marks the second time this year that the Supreme Court has upheld these restrictive measures against the president-elect.
Imposed by Judge Juan Merchan of Manhattan, the gag order stems from Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to allegedly falsifying business records.
These charges, which many view as politically motivated, are tied to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels.
JUST IN: #SCOTUS again declines to lift Judge Merchan's gag order on Trump pic.twitter.com/vXQxQftJQe
— Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) December 9, 2024
Although Judge Merchan partially lifted some restrictions, the core of the gag order remains intact, preventing Trump from discussing critical aspects of his case.
Trump’s legal team argues that the remaining restrictions violate his First Amendment rights – a cornerstone of American democracy that seems increasingly under threat in this politically charged legal battle.
Trump’s attorneys also cited Joe Biden, who acknowledged the problematic nature of his own son’s prosecution, saying he was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and that “raw politics has infected this process.”
Trump’s lawyers argued Biden’s words could and should be applied to the criminal case in New York.
Adding to the uncertainty, Judge Merchan has delayed Trump’s case indefinitely while considering arguments for dismissal.
The situation has become even more complex now that Trump is set to return to the Oval Office next month.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has suggested that sentencing could resume after Trump’s term ends in 2029.
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