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The Missouri Attorney General has officially filed a lawsuit against the state of New York over a gag order imposed on former President Trump.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, aims to lift the gag order on Trump during his hush money trial and delay his sentencing until after the November election. According to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, the prosecution is politically motivated and infringes on Missourians’ rights to hear from a presidential candidate. Bailey stated, “I will not sit idly by while Soros-backed prosecutors hold Missouri voters hostage in this presidential election. I am filing suit to ensure every Missourian can exercise their right to hear from and vote for their preferred presidential candidate.”
Bailey’s lawsuit claims that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against Trump to benefit Joe Biden’s campaign and prevent Trump from returning to the White House, labeling this tactic as “lawfare.” He argues that the trial and gag order undermine Trump’s ability to campaign, thus impacting Missourians’ right to an informed vote.
The lawsuit also contends that Bragg’s prosecution of Trump is partisan, citing Bragg’s campaign promises and Judge Merchan’s past donations to Biden’s campaign.
What Missouri is seeking:
Missouri’s lawsuit requests the Supreme Court to intervene, arguing it has jurisdiction due to the interstate nature of the dispute. The Supreme Court, which just ended its term, can decide to address this case on an emergency basis or dismiss it.
Bailey’s action follows a Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential immunity in Trump’s federal case concerning his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Subsequently, Trump filed a motion to overturn his hush money conviction, claiming it relied on protected communications. Judge Juan Merchan has agreed to postpone the sentencing from mid-July to September.
The New York attorney general’s office declined to comment on the suit.
