NY v. Trump: Judge Merchan partially lifts gag order on former president | 25 June 2024 | Judge Juan Merchan has partially lifted the gag order he [insanely] imposed against former President Trump -- weeks after the jury found him guilty on all counts. Trump and his legal team have been fighting the gag order since it was imposed upon him at the start of the trial, but had ramped up their efforts when it concluded last month. The former president and presumptive Republican nominee's legal team had argued the gag order should be lifted before the June 27 presidential debate. Merchan's gag order barred Trump from making or directing others to make public statements about witnesses with regard to their potential participation or about counsel in the case -- other than Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg -- or about court staff, DA staff or family members of staff. Merchan on Tuesday partially lifted the gag order because the trial has concluded. Trump is now able to speak about protected witnesses and jurors.