Judge partially lifts gag order, freeing Trump to attack jury who convicted him

New York Judge Juan Merchan has lifted a portion of the gag order against Donald Trump, allowing him to discuss witnesses or jurors in the case in which he was found guilty of 34 felonies. Trump can now go after witnesses, like adult film actor Stormy Daniels and his former attorney Michael Cohen, for their testimony. And he can comment on the jurors, though a prohibition on releasing personal information about jurors remains in effect.

For the witnesses in this case, especially Cohen and Daniels, this is a moment they knew they would have to face eventually. Both have faced Trump’s attacks for years. Daniels suffered an invasion of her home. Cohen has repeatedly been the victim of doxing and death threats. 

But that Merchan allowed Trump to comment on the jurors in advance of his July 11 sentencing is surprising. The Manhattan district attorney’s office had asked Merchan to keep the ban on comments about jurors in place, but Merchan ended it while leaving court officials and their families protected.

Trump supporters have already made extensive efforts to dox the jurors. Now they’ll have the aid and encouragement of Trump.