The Missouri Attorney General has taken a significant step by petitioning the United States Supreme Court to file a complaint against the state of New York regarding Donald Trump's recent criminal conviction. The petition argues that New York's actions have infringed upon the rights of Missouri voters to hear from a presidential candidate.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, is seeking to stay Trump's impending sentence and the gag order currently in place against him until after the presidential election in November. The motion contends that these restrictions interfere with Trump's ability to freely travel and campaign, as well as impede the rights of Americans, including members of the Electoral College, to hear Trump's political speech.
Bailey emphasized the importance of allowing the American people to participate in a presidential election without interference from New York. He stated that any gag order and sentence should be postponed until after the election.
In May, a Manhattan jury convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump's legal team has requested the judge to set aside the conviction following the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The sentencing, originally scheduled for next week, has been delayed by Judge Juan Merchan until at least September.
A limited gag order remains in effect, prohibiting Trump from publicly discussing prosecutors, court staff, and their families. While the judge has allowed Trump to speak about trial witnesses and the jury, other restrictions remain in place.
The Supreme Court will determine the next steps, including the possibility of setting a briefing schedule to address Missouri's request to temporarily block the gag order and sentencing.
