Trump will stand trial shortly before the 2024 election for ‘falsifying documents’ when making ‘hush payments’ to porn star Stormy Daniels.
President Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 criminal counts of falsifying business records and conspiracy.
Trump on Tuesday appeared in a New York court via video where Judge Merchan personally issued a protective order to the former president.
Judge Juan Merchan stopped just short of issuing a gag order.
Trump can speak about the case, however, he cannot publicly disclose evidence about the Stormy Daniels case, according to the protective order.
The judge also set a trial date in the hush payment case: March 25, 2024 – just months before the 2024 election.
Fox News reported:
Former President Donald Trump appeared in a New York City virtual court hearing Tuesday, where a judge said Trump will go on trial March 25, 2024 — months before the 2024 presidential election — after he pleaded not guilty in April to 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment.
New York State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan imposed the protective order May 8, but stopped short of imposing a gag order. Prosecutors requested the order after Trump criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Merchan and others.
Trump can speak publicly about the case but can be held in contempt if he uses evidence turned over by prosecutors to target witnesses and anyone else involved in the case.
On Tuesday, he appeared virtually on two big screens next to his attorney, Todd Blanche. During the hearing, Merchan asked Trump if he has a copy of the protective order.