Judge prohibits Trump from publishing evidence or information on networks data on case of payments to porn actress
Judge Juan Merchan, of New York, who is presiding over the criminal case against former President Donald Trump for irregular payments to a porn actress during the 2016 campaign signed an order limiting the defendant's ability to post data related to the case on social media.
The judge largely sided with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in limiting what Trump can publicly reveal about new prosecution evidence before the case goes to trial.
The order says that "any materials and information provided by the People to the Defense pursuant to its discovery obligations…will be used solely for the purpose of preparing a defense in this matter.”
Merchan's order said that anyone with access to evidence turned over to the Trump team by state prosecutors "shall not copy, broadcast or disclose" the material to third parties, including social media platforms, "without prior court approval." ”.
It also singles out Trump, saying he is allowed to review confidential prosecutors' “Limited Release Materials” only in the presence of his attorneys and "You will not be permitted to copy, photograph, transcribe, or independently possess the Limited Release Materials."
In addition, the order restricts Trump from reviewing "forensic cell phone images of witnesses," though his lawyers can show him "approved portions" of the images after obtaining the judge's permission.
Trump's lawyers and the prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.
The ruling largely follows the prosecutor's office's request for a protective order, which Trump's lawyers had complained was "extremely restrictive."
Prosecutors had argued that they needed "safeguards that protect the integrity of the materials," saying the "risk" of Trump using them "inappropriately is substantial."
“Donald J. Trump has a long and perhaps singular history of attacking witnesses, investigators, prosecutors, trial juries, grand juries, judges, and others involved in legal proceedings against him, placing those individuals and their families at risk. a considerable security risk," the prosecutor's office argued in a court filing last month.
Prosecutors had emphasized that they weren't seeking a gag order against Trump, a 2024 presidential candidate, they just wanted to make sure he didn't misuse their evidence.
Trump was charged last month with 34 felony falsifying business records related to secret payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels and another woman toward the end of his 2016 presidential campaign to prevent them from speaking out about their affair allegations. with the. He has pleaded not guilty and has said that he did not have an extramarital affair.
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