The order, which prohibits Trump from publicly commenting on witnesses and jurors involved in the case, does not prevent him from testifying on his own behalf, the judge clarified.

Since the trial began, Donald Trump has frequently expressed frustration at his inability to discuss the ongoing case. The gag order, officially titled "Order Restricting Extrajudicial Statements," aims to prevent outside influences from affecting the proceedings.

However, the order does not restrict Trump from addressing the allegations against him or offering commentary on the judge or the elected top prosecutor. It also does not prevent him from testifying in court if he chooses to do so. Trump, who is running for president while fighting the felony charges, maintains his plea of not guilty.

Gag orders, particularly in high-profile cases, are designed to ensure a fair trial by limiting public statements that could potentially influence the outcome. They often prohibit individuals involved in the case from publicly discussing any or all aspects of it. In Trump's case, the gag order restricts his ability to comment on witnesses, jurors, lawyers, and court staff.

It's worth noting that Trump is also subject to a similar gag order in his federal criminal election interference case in Washington. While the order limits what he can say about witnesses and lawyers involved, an appeals court has allowed him to speak about special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the case.

In a separate civil fraud trial in New York, Trump was fined a total of $15,000 for violating a gag order, specifically by making comments about the judge's law clerk. The gag order in that trial prohibited participants from publicly discussing court staff.

Gag orders can spark debates about the balance between fair trial rights and free speech rights. The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down some orders that restrict press coverage of certain cases or court proceedings. Additionally, the court has rejected vague rules that limit what lawyers can say outside of court.

Prior to the trial, Trump had sought to postpone the proceedings while appealing the gag order, but his request was denied. His appeal of the gag order itself is still ongoing. The gag order, initially imposed on March 26, prohibits Trump from making public statements about jurors and any witnesses involved in the investigation or trial.

While Judge Juan M. Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg are exempt from the gag order, Trump is still prohibited from making comments about their family members. This provision was added after Trump targeted the judge's daughter, a Democratic political consultant, on social media, making a claim that was later disputed by court officials.

Lastly, the judge clarified that Trump is allowed to discuss his political opponents, highlighting their exclusion from the gag order during a recent court hearing.

As the trial continues, the boundaries of the gag order and Trump's ability to address the case remain subjects of ongoing legal debate.