Manhattan District Attorney Announces New Death Threats and Approves Trump’s Deception of Witnesses in Hush Money Trial

Prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday allowed Donald Trump to insult witnesses in his hush money trial after the verdict was announced. At the same time, they described the new, horrific death threats that they believe are “directly” linked to the convicted ex-president’s “dangerous rhetoric.”

The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg agreed with lawyers for Trump, 78, that the limited news blackout in the case – in which a jury found the presumptive Republican presidential nominee guilty of covering up a payment to a porn star – should be lifted as it affects trial witnesses such as Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels.

“The compelling interest in protecting the witnesses’ ability to testify without interference no longer exists in light of last month’s ruling,” prosecutors wrote in a letter to the court.

But the rest of the order, designed to protect the safety of those involved in the case, should remain in effect, prosecutors said, citing 56 alarming new threats Bragg, his family and associates have received since April that the NYPD deemed “punishable.”

Two people “involved in this case” received bomb threats at their homes the day jury selection began on April 15, according to an affidavit from an NYPD sergeant who heads Bragg’s security detail.

In another “threatening email,” the home address of a DA employee involved in the case was revealed, the sergeant wrote.

Another post showed “sniper sights aimed at individuals involved in the case or family members of such individuals,” and other attacks included phrases such as “We will kill you all,” “RIP” and “Your life is over,” the affidavit said.

According to Bragg’s office, the recent spate of threats is “directly related” to Trump’s “dangerous rhetoric regarding this prosecution.”

“As the defendant’s ongoing conduct makes clear, it remains critical to protect the participants in this criminal proceeding and the integrity of the criminal process from the defendant’s attacks,” prosecutors wrote.

Trump has launched numerous online attacks on witnesses, lawyers and judges in the criminal proceedings against him in recent years. In March 2023, he posted a picture of himself holding a baseball bat next to Bragg’s head – and threatened “death and destruction” if he were charged in New York.

In an interview with television host Dr. Phil a week after he was convicted by a Manhattan jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records, Trump insisted he had “every right” to retaliate against his enemies.

“Sometimes revenge can be justified, Phil, I have to be honest with you,” Trump said in the interview, without saying who he was talking about.

The news blackout allowed Trump to criticize the case in broad terms and attack Bragg and Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.

During the trial, Trump repeated these statements and argued that the case was a politically motivated plot against him.

Any changes to the news blackout, including allowing Trump to speak about witnesses such as Cohen and Daniels, would have to be approved by the judge before they could take effect.

Trump has repeatedly complained that the news blackout was unfair, but state appeals courts upheld it and rejected the former president’s claim that his First Amendment rights had been violated.

Merchan fined Trump $10,000 for violating the order 10 times, including for complaining about the jury on a radio show on April 22.

Trump claimed in an interview that the jury was “95 percent Democrat,” even though none of the jurors were asked to reveal their political party affiliation, which is common practice in politically explosive cases like his.

Trump’s verdict is expected to be announced on July 11. He faces up to four years in prison, but more likely probation or a conditional release, which could include community service.

Trump’s lawyers did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.