Unique: The judges presiding over former President Donald Trump’s trial in New York City are taking heat from a rare coalition forming to jointly condemn his “dangerousness.” Gag Order Decision It says “this is a serious threat to our democracy.”
The group is made up mostly of major Republican candidates who are contesting key states to flip the Senate in November, including Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, Eric Hovde of Wisconsin, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Mike Rogers of Michigan, Kari Jim Banks of Lake, Indiana, Sam of Nevada. Tim Sheehy of Brown, Montana, and Jim Justice of West Virginia.
All signed a joint statement condemning the imposition of Judge Juan Merchan’s “unconstitutional” gag order, which Trump himself has called “election interference.”
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Several top Republican Senate candidates running in key battleground states are condemning the judge overseeing Donald Trump’s New York City trial for his “unconstitutional” ban order. (Getty Images)
“We have deep concerns about the gag order imposed on President Trump, as it fundamentally violates constitutional principles and threatens the essence of freedom of speech and expression in the midst of an election,” the group said.
“The First Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly guarantees the right to freedom of speech, stating that ‘Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech or of the press.’ This fundamental right is not dependent on one’s political affiliation or position of power,” he said.
The group further said that “any effort to silence or restrict the speech of a presidential candidate undermines the core values on which our democracy is built,” and it called it a “crime for future presidents and other elected officials.” A dangerous precedent has been set. ,
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Judge Juan Merchan poses for a photo in his chambers on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in New York. (AP Photos)
“If we allow such actions to go unchecked, it opens the door for authoritarian tendencies to flourish, where those in power can suppress voices of dissent and control the narrative to serve their own interests. No mistake DON’T: Silencing a candidate for public office, under threat of imprisonment, is a serious threat to our democracy,” he said.
The group said the sanctions order affected the American public by disrupting their “right to information and transparency”, and that they “have the right to be informed about the actions and statements of their elected leaders.”
“In conclusion, the sanctions order imposed on President Trump is a clear violation of the First Amendment and represents a dangerous encroachment on the fundamental rights that form the basis of our democracy. The United States must stand firm in defense of these principles and oppose any Must resist efforts to weaken them, regardless of political affiliation or personal opinion,” he said.
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, US on April 22, 2024. (Yuki Iwamura/Pool via Reuters)
Marchant last month ordered a gag order on Trump before the trial began, ordering that the former president not disclose information about his potential involvement to witnesses or attorneys in the case — other than Bragg — or the court. May not instruct or direct others to make public statements about. Staff, DA staff or family members of staff. He also ordered that Trump could not make public statements or give instructions to others about any prospective juror or selected juror.
In his decision, Merchan pointed to Trump’s “prior extrajudicial statements”, saying they establish a “substantial risk to the administration of justice”.
Marchen announced this decision on Tuesday Trump violated the gag order Restricting them from speaking publicly about family members of witnesses and court officials. They specifically ruled that Trump violated the order on nine separate occasions in social media posts, with each violation resulting in a $1,000 fine. The former president was ordered to pay $9,000 for violating the gag order.
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Following Merchan’s decision, Trump removed social media posts that violated the order from his Truth social account. The decision comes after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office accused Trump of violating the order 14 times since it took effect last month.
Trump has repeatedly protested the order and has called the matter overall a “scam.” Promoted by Biden administration And saying the ban order has taken away his ability to defend himself against allegations in the case.
Fox News’ Emma Colton and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
