This week, the judge in a local criminal case against Donald Trump in New York City expanded a gag order already imposed against the former president after Defendant Trump began incessantly targeting the judge’s daughter. Trump looped the woman — who is not involved in the proceedings — into his familiar but unsubstantiated allegations of political bias against him, pointing to the younger woman’s purported political activities.
A portion of the judge’s reaction to the situation spotlighted by CNN was particularly choice.
“The average observer, must now, after hearing defendant’s recent attacks, draw the conclusion that if they become involved in these proceedings, even tangentially, they should worry not only for themselves, but for their loved ones as well,” the judge wrote, expanding the restrictions on Trump’s public commentary to family members of a list including the judge and various lawyers involved in the case, including District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Such concerns will undoubtedly interfere with the fair administration of justice and constitutes a direct attack on the Rule of Law itself.”
Concerns were raised before the judge expanded the gag order of potential threats to his daughter’s safety spurred by Trump’s incessant — and misrepresentative — commentary. It’s similar to what produced gag orders on Trump in two other cases, including his federal criminal case alleging attempted election interference that’s currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump was predictably furious. “They can talk about me, but I can’t talk about them???” Trump said, although he can still discuss leads on the case including the judge and lead prosecutor. “That sounds fair, doesn’t it? This Judge should be recused, and the case should be thrown out. There has virtually never been a more conflicted judge than this one. ELECTION INTERFERENCE at its worst!” Doesn’t Trump’s insistence on referring to virtually every part of his troubles as somehow the worst of its kind ever get old for his followers?
