New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Marchan appeared to take a dark side during Tuesday’s gag order hearing regarding former President Donald Trump.
Marchan held a hearing to determine whether President Trump violated the “unconstitutional” gag order.
The gag order prevents President Trump from commenting publicly about witnesses who participated in the trial, attorneys other than Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), and “court and district attorney employees, or … families of attorneys and employees.” It is prohibited to do so. Members, if these statements were made with the intent to materially interfere with the work of … lawyers or staff regarding the case. This includes potential jurors.
Former President Donald Trump awaits the start of his case during jury selection in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on April 18, 2024. (Brendan McDiarmid/Pool Photo via AP)
During his argument, Marchan appeared to give prosecutors enough time to convince them that Trump was suspected of violating the order. But when it came time for Trump lawyer Todd Blanche to argue for the defense, Marchand said, grown According to court reporters, he was impatient and passionate.
Blanche argued that Trump’s reposting of the article on Truth Social was not a violation of the gag order. Mr Marchand asked what case law supported that argument.
“There is no case law to support that, but it is common sense, Your Honor,” Blanche said.
Marchan asked what is the difference between reposting and posting. “Where does it say that? Please tell me the precedent,” Marchan said.
“Sir, there…” Blanche said before being interrupted.
“Let me ask you a question: When something is reposted, how does it end up in your client’s Truth Social account?” he asked.
Trump attorney Todd looks on as former President Donald Trump speaks to the media at the end of the day during Trump’s criminal trial as jury selection continues at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 19, 2024.・Mr. Blanche. (Mark Peterson – Pool/Getty Images)
Mr. Marchan then asked Mr. Branch to explain whether he believed Mr. Trump did not violate the gag order when he reposted Truth.
“That’s what I want to hear,” cried Machan.
Blanche tried to explain, but Machan said, “Blanche, you have lost all confidence. What I have to tell you now is that you have lost all confidence in the court.”
new york times offered About exchange color:
Machan has now calmed down and is pleading with Blanche to make a more substantive argument supporting the idea that reposting should not be subject to a gag order. “I hate to keep coming back to this, but you haven’t provided me with anything to support your case,” the judge says.
…
Judge Machan repeatedly asked Todd Branch to clarify his case, but Branch simply denied saying what he appeared to be saying. Trump is very lucky that the jury is not here for this. Marchan is really dressing Blanche up now.
“You offered nothing,” Marchand said to Blanche.
Machan said he does not intend to govern from the bench with a gag order.
