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A state judge in New York cautioned former President Donald Trump on Tuesday to obey a protective order dictating how he can talk about discovery materials during the upcoming criminal trial stemming from hush money payments paid to a former adult movie actress.
The order covers how Trump communicates publicly about emails, photographs, testimony and other evidence gathered as legal proceedings move forward ahead of the trial date set for March 25, 2024.
During a hearing held over a video connection, Judge Juan Merchan told Trump he must obey a protective order or there could be a « wide range of possible sanctions including a finding of contempt. »
Trump appeared on screen looking tense and impatient, jaw rigid and fingers interlaced. He only spoke once, saying « I do, » when asked if he had a copy of the protective order.
Judge Merchan is overseeing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s criminal case against Trump, which was filed last month.
The formal purpose of the hearing was to explain a protective order, normally a routine measure governing how sensitive discovery materials are handled before a trial.
But this order attempts to limit what information the former President, who has a history of lashing out at judges and prosecutors, is allowed to share publicly about the case against him.
Judge Merchan’s protective order notably lists Truth Social, Trump’s own social network, first among the various platforms where discovery materials cannot be shared. Further, it says Trump can only view certain materials in the presence of his lawyers or with the explicit permission of the judge.
During the hearing, Todd Blanche, Trump’s attorney, pointed out Trump is again « running for President and is a leading contender » and is « very concerned his 1st amendment rights » could be curtailed by the order.
