In a significant development in the hush money trial involving Donald Trump, the presiding judge has agreed to roll back protections that aimed to shield witnesses and jurors from the former president's attacks. The decision comes after a jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records connected to an election interference scheme.

Justice Juan Merchan of New York Justice stated that the "circumstances have now changed," leading to the lifting of a portion of the gag order. While protections for court staff, district attorney's office staff, and their families will remain in place until after Trump's sentencing on July 11, the judge agreed to allow Trump to speak out against trial witnesses like adult film star Stormy Daniels and his former attorney, Michael Cohen.

Trump's legal team had repeatedly requested the complete lifting of the gag order, but the judge's decision only modified it, keeping some protections intact. The decision faced opposition from Manhattan prosecutors, who argued that Trump's unrestrained attacks could pose a threat to the judicial process.

The lifting of the gag order follows Trump's constant negative statements and attacks against witnesses, judges, and prosecutors on his Truth Social account. Law enforcement authorities noted that this has led to intimidating messages aimed at attorneys, court staff, and their families. The New York City Police Department recorded numerous "actionable threats" against the district attorney and his team since Trump's indictment.

During the trial, Trump violated the gag order on several occasions, resulting in a $10,000 fine. Judge Merchan even warned him of possible jail time if the violations continued. Despite the easing of restrictions, the judge emphasized his "strong preference" to maintain protections for jurors and urged caution regarding Trump's speech.

The decision to modify the gag order comes after New York's highest appeals court rejected Trump's request for a swift appeal on the matter, stating that no substantial constitutional question was directly involved. Additionally, Trump remains under a gag order in his federal election interference case and was fined $15,000 for violating the gag order in his civil fraud trial.

The former president's communications director, Steven Cheung, called the judge's decision "unlawful" and "blatantly un-American," particularly as it coincides with an upcoming presidential debate. Meanwhile, Stormy Daniels expressed her respect for Judge Merchan's decision, considering Trump's uncontrollable daily rants.

As the trial progresses, the question remains as to how Trump will navigate his newfound freedom to speak out against witnesses and jurors, and how it may impact the ongoing legal proceedings. The judge in Trump's classified documents case in Florida is also reportedly considering whether to restrict Trump's attacks against law enforcement.