Trump Says Whatever He Wants, But a Judge Can Tell Him to Stop

Judges mulling gag orders weigh free speech against fair trial
Trump ally Roger Stone faced online ban during criminal case

WATCH: Donald Trump is calling his indictment a “political persecution” after a New York grand jury voted to indict him for allegedly paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.Source: Bloomberg

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By Zoe Tillman

March 31, 2023 at 1:59 PM UTC

Updated on

March 31, 2023 at 3:05 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Donald Trump went on a social media tear leading up to his indictment this week, attacking the hush money probe he’s charged in and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, warning of “death & destruction” and issuing a call to action: “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!”

It’s the kind of bombastic language the former president is known for online and on the campaign trail. But it’s also the type of inflammatory rhetoric and case-specific commentary that has landed defendants and their lawyers — including some of Trump’s associates — in trouble with judges.