Trump’s Gag Order Extended After Mentioning Judge’s Daughter in Rant

(ProsperNews.net) – A New York Judge has extended a gagging order on former President Donald Trump after he targeted the Judge’s daughter in a social media post. Judge Huan Merchan initially ordered Mr. Trump to refrain from commenting on attorneys, jurors, or witnesses but has subsequently expanded this to cover their family members.

The extension came when prosecutors sought clarification following a Truth Social media post by the former President, in which he called the Judge’s daughter, Loren Merchan, a “rabid Trump hater.” Ms. Merchan apparently posted a tweet with an image of Trump in prison and has reportedly worked on several Democrat election campaigns, including President Biden’s. A court spokesperson denied Trump’s claim, saying the social media account showing Trump in prison does not belong to Ms. Merchan.

Mr. Trump additionally argued that the family relationship and discussions between father and daughter ensured the Judge could not be impartial and should be removed from the case.

In his ruling, Judge Merchan said those involved in cases against Donald Trump are vulnerable to personal attacks. However, given his comments about Loren Merchan, it was clear that participants should also be concerned for their family members.

Trump’s attorneys asserted that the new order further infringed his First Amendment rights. Still, the Judge ruled that such personal attacks serve no legitimate purpose and harm the integrity of the legal process.

In the days following the extended gagging order, the former President did not mention Loren Merchan but posted clips of other people criticizing her. In one such clip, Fox News host Brian Kilmeade refers to the Judge’s daughter as “an activist who works for Kamala Harris.” Critics said Trump is once again attempting to skirt the law by using other people’s comments to criticize Loren Merchan instead of his own.

The case relates to falsifying business records charges. The former President allegedly paid hush money to an adult actress to prevent her from revealing a prior affair.