New York appeals court keeps Trump’s gag order in place

The state appeals court—made up of a panel of five judges—on Thursday unanimously rejected a bid to dissolve a mandate against the former president criticizing prosecutors, court staff, and their families. The court-ordered restriction is set to remain in effect until Trump is sentenced on 34 criminal business fraud convictions. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18.

Where did this order come from? Acting New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan imposed the gag order while former President Donald Trump faced 34 criminal business fraud charges. Just days later, Merchan beefed up the gag order following comments Trump made about a member of his family.

After jury members convicted Trump on all 34 charges, Merchan removed several portions of the gag order restricting him from criticizing witnesses and jurors.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report in The Sift about black journalists challenging Trump on race.