New York's highest court on Tuesday refused to consider an appeal challenging the limited gag order imposed on President Trump by the judge overseeing his hush money trial.
The New York Court of Appeals dismissed Trump's request on the grounds that it did not present a significant constitutional issue.
Judge Juan Merchan had issued a gag order preventing Trump from discussing witnesses, jurors, and others connected to his criminal trial, which concluded with a conviction last month.
An intermediate appellate court affirmed the gag order, ruling that Merchan had appropriately balanced Trump's First Amendment rights with the court's longstanding dedication to ensuring fair judicial proceedings and protecting individuals involved in the case from threats, intimidation, harassment, and harm.
Trump had requested the removal of the gag order ahead of his July 11 sentencing. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has argued that the gag order should remain in effect until sentencing is completed.
A jury found Trump guilty of all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, paid to prevent a fake story from diminishing his chances in the 2016 presidential election.
This conviction marks the first time a U.S. president has been found guilty of criminal charges.
