The New York judge presiding over the trial has already ruled that Trump repeatedly violated the order, resulting in a fine of $9,000 and a stern warning of potential jail time if he fails to comply.

The gag order prohibits Trump from openly discussing witnesses, jurors, and other individuals connected to the matter. However, it does not prevent him from talking about the allegations against him, commenting on the judge or the elected top prosecutor, or even testifying in court if he chooses to do so. This has at times caused confusion about what Trump can and cannot do in the case.

Gag orders, like the one imposed on Trump, are intended to prevent external information from influencing court proceedings, especially in high-profile cases. Trump is also subject to a similar gag order in his federal criminal election interference case in Washington, which limits his public statements about witnesses, lawyers involved, and court staff.

Despite the limitations imposed by the gag order, Trump has faced fines totaling $15,000 in a recent New York civil fraud trial for comments made about a judge's law clerk, which violated a similar order against speaking publicly about court staff. It is worth noting that the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized the delicate balance between fair trial rights and free speech rights when considering the application of gag orders.

Prior to the trial, Trump requested a postponement citing the need to appeal the gag order, but the court refused. While an ongoing appeal challenges the order itself, Trump remains subject to its restrictions. The gag order, originally imposed on March 26, bars Trump from discussing jurors and any anticipated witness participation related to the investigation or trial.

It also prohibits statements about lawyers involved in the case, court staffers, prosecution aides, and their family members when such statements intend to interfere with their work or are likely to cause interference. In an attempt to prevent further personal attacks, the judge extended the order to include provisions against comments about his family members after Trump targeted the judge's daughter on social media.

Interestingly, Trump is allowed to talk about his political opponents, as clarified by the judge. However, this freedom does not extend to witnesses, such as Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, who has frequently criticized Trump publicly, leaving the former president frustrated by his inability to respond in kind.

There was some confusion when Trump mentioned that he was "not allowed to testify" due to the gag order, but he later clarified that he understood the order did not restrict him from taking the stand. The violation of the gag order has occurred through Trump's social media posts, where he publicly criticized Cohen.

While the judge fined Trump the maximum amount allowed by law for nine violations, warning that jail time may become a necessary punishment, defense lawyer Todd Blanche expressed his intention to appeal the judge's finding. Meanwhile, prosecutors have requested another fine for four alleged violations but have decided against seeking imprisonment to avoid disruption to the trial proceedings.

The trial continues as Trump fights the felony charges against him while running for president. As he navigates the boundaries of the gag order, the former president must carefully tread to ensure compliance with the court's restrictions while expressing his defense against the allegations brought forward.