Donald Trump Hush Money Trial Live Updates: Gag Order Hearing Underway

Gag order hearing begins

Court is in session and beginning with the gag order hearing. Prosecutors argue the order was issued because of Trump’s “persistent and escalating” rhetoric.

What are the four alleged violations? Last week, the prosecution presented four alleged violations of the gag order. They include: Trump’s comments about the jury being picked so quickly, Trump calling witness David Pecker “very nice,” and Trump’s comments about expected witness Michael Cohen, including calling him a “convicted liar” with no credibility during an interview.

The prosecution argues that these comments are “corrosive” to the procedure and the “fair administration of justice.”

Defense now addresses court: Trump attorney Todd Blanche argues that the former president is running a campaign, and political attacks and responses to political attacks do not violate the gag order. The defense provided 500 pages of exhibits this morning.

Blanche complains about Biden’s recent “stormy weather” snub. The judge says that while Trump can’t talk about Stormy Daniels, he is “certainly allowed to respond” to Biden. Blanche says that’s not his point, argues Trump is “limited in what he can say, President Biden is not.”

“He can’t just say no comment,” Blanche says, “he’s running for president.”

The judge says the media interest “is not a surprise to anyone.” He also points out that Trump has repeatedly addressed the pressure on himself, “it wasn’t the pressure that went up to him.”