New York Judge Juan Merchan tightened restrictions on what Donald Trump can say before his criminal trial this month by barring the former president from attacking the family members of the district attorney and the Merchan. Trump attacked the daughter of Merchan, who issued a gag order last week barring Trump from attacking court staff and prosecutors. Merchan isn’t shy about clamping down on rhetoric from Trump that he views as incendiary, Politico reports. Trump’s trial, over allegations he broke the law by paying hush money to a porn star to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with her, will start April 15.
Merchan said, "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 ... such concerns will undoubtedly interfere with the fair administration of justice and constitutes a direct attack on the Rule of Law itself.” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, called the order “unconstitutional” and said it violates “the civil rights” of his social media followers, who “have a First Amendment right to receive and listen to his speech.” Trump had dubbed Merchan’s daughter a “Rabid Trump Hater” for her work at a firm that has Democratic clients. He accused her of using a picture of him in jail on a social media account, but a court official said another person had taken over the account when that picture was added.