Former President Donald Trump's bid to have a gag order lifted in his New York criminal trial has been denied by an appeals court. The court ruled on Thursday to uphold the remaining restrictions, preventing Trump from speaking about prosecutors, court staff, or their families. His lawyers had sought to have the gag order lifted in order to campaign against Vice President Harris.

The decision came after the appeals panel deemed it necessary to keep the narrow gag order in place, citing the ongoing nature of the criminal process. The court also noted the "significant and imminent threat" posed by threats received by District Attorney staff following the jury verdict. Trump has often used legal proceedings against him to rally donations and support from his followers during his presidential campaigns.

Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, expressed frustration over the gag order, claiming it hampers Trump's ability to respond to attacks made by Vice President Harris. Blanche pointed out that Harris has been campaigning as a "prosecutor vs. convicted felon," fueling the need for Trump to defend himself. In May, Trump became the first sitting or former U.S. president to be convicted on felony charges, specifically 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential run.

The gag order was initially imposed by New York Judge Juan Merchan at the beginning of the trial, barring Trump from discussing witnesses, jurors, court staff, as well as the prosecutors and their families. However, it did not prevent Trump from speaking about Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump fought against the gag order for months and was fined multiple times for violating it, having to pay a total of $10,000.

Earlier this summer, after the conviction, Merchan partially lifted the gag order, allowing Trump to discuss witnesses and jurors. The remaining portion of the order is expected to be lifted following his sentencing, which is scheduled for September 18.

Meanwhile, Vice President Harris, who announced her candidacy for the 2024 election, wasted no time in mentioning Trump's legal challenges during her first campaign speech. Highlighting her past roles as a prosecutor and attorney general, she referred to Trump as "his type" and emphasized her commitment to taking on perpetrators of various crimes.

Throughout his campaign events across the country, Trump has consistently claimed, without providing evidence, that his trial and conviction were politically motivated. He has specifically criticized Democratic judges like Merchan, who presided over his lawsuits. Several Republican allies have echoed these sentiments, accusing prosecutors of having partisan motivations.

Adding to the controversy, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, recently sent a letter to Lorena Merchan, Judge Merchan's daughter, requesting documents related to her involvement with the Harris Campaign, communication regarding the trial and the Biden campaign, and any relevant correspondence with her father.

As Trump awaits his sentencing, the gag order remains intact, restricting his ability to publicly address specific individuals involved in his trial. The legal battle surrounding his New York criminal case continues, raising significant political and legal implications.