In a recent development, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has requested clarification from a judge regarding the extent of the gag order placed on former President Donald Trump in the ongoing New York criminal case against him. The office is seeking confirmation that the order also applies to Trump's family members, as they argue that his recent public statements concerning the case have been in direct violation of the restrictions.

Prosecutors have urged the court to make it abundantly clear that the gag order, issued on March 26, extends to family members of the Court, the District Attorney, and all other individuals mentioned in the order. They further emphasized that Trump's recent conduct is defiant and "contumacious," and have called for him to immediately desist from making public statements that go against the order. Prosecutors have warned that if Trump continues to defy the order, he should face appropriate sanctions.

In response, Trump's attorneys filed a letter on Friday countering the prosecutors' claims. They argued that the "express terms of the gag order do not apply in the manner claimed" by the prosecution. Trump's attorneys pointed out that the order does not mention the former president's family members, which they view as a significant loophole. Additionally, they contend that the gag order does not apply to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Trump's legal team further stated that expanding the gag order as suggested by prosecutors would be inappropriate and require full adversarial briefing. They indicated their intention to present constitutional arguments against any additional restrictions on protected campaign speech during such a briefing.

The recent ruling by Judge Merchan, who presides over the case, acknowledged Trump's past conduct as a risk to the administration of justice. As a result, Merchan ordered Trump to refrain from making or directing others to make public statements about known or foreseeable witnesses in the hush money case. The order also applies to statements about individual prosecutors, court staff members, jurors, and potential jurors.

Trump's campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, criticized Merchan's order as unconstitutional. Cheung argued that it impedes Trump from engaging in core political speech, which is protected under the First Amendment.

The hush money case against Trump, initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, involves 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. The trial for this case is scheduled to begin on April 15.

As the legal battle continues, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office seeks clarity on the scope of Trump's gag order, emphasizing that it should extend to family members. The court's decision on this matter will have significant implications for Trump's public discourse and the administration of justice in the ongoing criminal case.