In a setback for former President Donald Trump, a New York appeals court has rejected his attempt to have the limited gag order lifted in his criminal "hush money" case. Although part of the order had already been lifted, some restrictions still remained in effect. The panel of five judges from New York's mid-level appeals court ruled against Trump's argument that the gag order was no longer necessary, stating that the "fair administration of justice necessarily includes sentencing."

Originally scheduled for last month, Trump's sentencing was postponed until September 18th due to the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. Judge Juan Merchan imposed the gag order in March, prohibiting Trump from publicly commenting on jurors, witnesses, court staff, and individual prosecutors involved in the case, with the exception of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Merchan held Trump in criminal contempt ten times for violating the gag order and fined him $10,000, while also warning of potential imprisonment if Trump continued to violate the order. In June, Merchan partially lifted the gag order regarding jurors and witnesses. However, a portion of the order prohibiting statements about court staff, prosecutors, and their families remained intact.

The New York Appellate Division justified the remaining provisions of the gag order by pointing out the continued threats faced by Bragg and his staff. The ruling stated that evidence submitted by the prosecution demonstrated that threats against the district attorney's staff persisted even after the jury verdict. This justified the need to enforce the gag order.

Following the court's decision, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, released a statement criticizing the gag order as unconstitutional. The statement also claimed that the order was intended to prevent Trump from freely expressing his opinions about Judge Merchan's alleged conflicts and the alleged evidence that supposedly exposed a supposed "Harris-Biden Witch Hunt." Cheung emphasized that the order not only violated freedom of speech but also hindered Trump's ability to participate fully as a candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election.

In response to the court's ruling, Trump has renewed his efforts to have Judge Merchan recused from the case. Trump alleges a conflict between the judge's daughter and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records connected to a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. The payment was allegedly made to boost Trump's chances in the 2016 presidential election. Despite this recent legal setback, Trump continues to contest the case, seeking alternative legal avenues to challenge the charges and restrictions imposed upon him.