A federal judge in Colorado issued a gag order in a fraud case after President Donald Trump attacked one of the attorneys in the case on social media and accused her of political bias. The judge, William Martinez, issued the order on Friday, saying Trump’s comments could undermine the fairness of the trial and jeopardize the defendant’s right to a fair trial. The order prohibits anyone involved in the case from speaking publicly about it or making any public statements that “could reasonably be expected to interfere with a fair trial or otherwise prejudice any party.”
The gag order comes after Trump tweeted about the case last week, accusing one of the prosecutors of being part of a “deep state hit job.” The judge said the president’s comments “create a clear risk of prejudice” and could “cause significant and unnecessary damage” to the proceedings. The gag order applies to all parties involved in the case, including President Trump.
The case involves a former medical marijuana business executive who is accused of defrauding investors. The prosecutor in the case has asked Judge Martinez to throw out the case, saying there is insufficient evidence for a conviction. The gag order will remain in effect until the case is resolved.
