Justice Cynthia S. Kern denied Donald Trump's request to delay his hush money trial while he appeals a limited gag order.
In a hearing on Tuesday, attorneys for Trump said the gag order should be revoked because the former president wants to publicly respond to witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. Trump also wishes to comment on Judge Juan Merchan's daughter, who works for a political consulting firm. He wants to claim that the charges against him are politically motivated.
But prosecutor Steven Wu argued the gag order should stay in place because Trump had a history of attacking witnesses and court staff.
ALSO READ: A criminologist explains why Judge Cannon must step away from Trump trial immediately
"There has already been difficulty in finding witnesses in our case," Wu said, according to New York Courts Reporter Erik Uebelacker. "They have delayed bringing this request for two full weeks after the order was [brought] by the judge."
Wu cited Trump's attacks on Judge Arthur Engoron's court staff and election workers in Georgia.
Kern quickly denied Trump's motion, but a full panel of justices will take up the case on April 15.