In a recent ruling, an appeals court has upheld the gag order on former President Donald Trump, extending its duration until his sentencing in September. The gag order currently prohibits Trump from making any public comments regarding prosecutors, court staff involved in the case, and their families. While restrictions on discussing witnesses and jurors were lifted after his May 30 conviction on felony counts, Trump remains free to criticize Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Justice Juan Merchan.

Trump's legal team had challenged the gag order, contending that it should have been lifted at the conclusion of the trial. However, the appellate panel rejected this argument, stating that the end of the trial does not constitute a change in circumstances sufficient to terminate the remaining restraining order provision.

The gag order has been a point of contention for Trump, with his campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, calling it "blatantly un-American" in a statement to CBS News. Trump has consistently pushed back against Acting Justice Merchan's decision to maintain portions of the gag order, vehemently expressing his disagreement.

Originally set to be sentenced on July 11, Trump's sentencing date was postponed due to his motion to set aside the conviction. Citing a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision related to presidential immunity, Trump sought to have his conviction nullified. Justice Merchan has announced that he will deliver a decision on Trump's motion on September 6. If the motion is rejected and the conviction upheld, Trump will be sentenced on September 18.

The ruling to extend the gag order until Trump's sentencing demonstrates the court's commitment to maintaining decorum and impartiality throughout the criminal trial. As the legal proceedings continue, the public awaits the final decision on Trump's motion and the subsequent sentencing, which will have significant implications for the former president's post-presidential life.