Former President Donald Trump is set to face off against President Joe Biden in the first of two scheduled presidential debates, but multiple court-imposed gag orders continue to limit what Trump can say about his legal troubles. This could prove to be a hindrance for Trump if he is questioned about his recent felony conviction in New York and the numerous criminal charges against him. The restrictions might also provide an opportunity for Biden, who has reportedly been preparing strategies to unsettle Trump during the debate.

One of the gag orders, imposed by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan during Trump's hush money trial, restricted him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors, lawyers, staff, and their families involved in the case. Trump violated the gag order multiple times during the trial, leading the judge to hold him in contempt. Trump was eventually convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the effort to silence Stormy Daniels from speaking about an alleged affair before the 2016 election.

Although Merchan recently lifted parts of the gag order, allowing Trump to discuss trial witnesses and jurors, he is still restricted from speaking about certain categories of people related to the case. It remains to be seen whether Trump will risk discussing Daniels and his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, whom he has targeted in the past.

In addition to Merchan's gag order, other orders imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron and Judge Tanya Chutkan are still believed to be in effect. Engoron's order bars Trump from speaking about court personnel in his civil business fraud case, while Chutkan's order restricts public statements about likely witnesses and related legal counsel in his criminal election interference case.

While Engoron's order is unlikely to limit Trump during the debate with Biden, the status of Chutkan's gag order remains unclear. The Supreme Court is currently considering Trump's claim of presidential immunity in the D.C. criminal case, which could potentially delay any trial until after the November election.

The upcoming debate between Trump and Biden will be broadcast by CNN, and both candidates will be expected to comply with the network's rules to ensure a civilized discussion. As Trump navigates the remaining gag orders, sources familiar with his debate preparation indicate that he is advised to focus on core issues and policies. However, it is noted that Trump often follows his own instincts, regardless of advice given.

As the debate approaches, the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the gag orders on Trump's freedom of speech could create an intriguing dynamic between the two candidates. The restrictions may limit Trump's ability to address certain topics, while Biden seeks to capitalize on any potential weaknesses or unguarded remarks. The outcome of the debate could have significant implications for the ongoing legal battles facing Trump.

Overall, the lingering gag orders add an additional layer of complexity to the highly anticipated debate, making it a crucial event for both candidates as they strive to make their case to the American people.