New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan on Monday issued an official order restricting former President Trump from posting on social media about some evidence in his felony hush money case.
Siding with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Merchan’s ruling only applies to evidence obtained by the prosecution and turned over to Trump to prepare for trial.
The justice’s order dictates that “any materials and information provided by the People to the Defense in accordance with their discovery obligations…shall be used solely for the purposes of preparing a defense in this matter.”
The order also singles out Trump, saying he may review “Limited Dissemination Materials” from the prosecution only in the presences of his lawyer. Further he “shall not be permitted to copy, photograph, transcribe, or otherwise independently possess the Limited Dissemination Materials.”
It additionally restricts Trump from reviewing “forensic images of witness cell phones.” However, his attorneys may show him certain “approved” portions of images if the judge gives them permission to do so.
Last week, Merchan said he wasn’t going to do anything “to infringe on [Trump’s] First Amendment rights.”
On April 4, Trump was arraigned on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and conspiracy related to his role in hush money payments during the 2016 campaign season. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Merchan has asked Trump’s defense attorneys and prosecutors to see if they can agree on a trial date in February or March 2024.
