Judge denies Trump’s attempt to lift gag order so he can ‘respond’ to Stormy Daniels testimony

Donald Trump’s latest attempt to lift a gag order placed on him during his New York criminal hush money trial has been denied.

Lawyers for the former president argued that since a key witness – adult film actress Stormy Daniels – has now left the stand, the order should be lifted so Mr Trump can “respond” to her testimony.

Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the case, denied the motion on Thursday, saying he was concerned about “attacks” on Ms Daniels and other witnesses. He added: that he was also concerned with “protecting the integrity of these proceedings as a whole.”

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