Donald Trump‘s legal team is resisting a prosecution plea for a gag order ahead of his March 25 trial concerning hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. They argue that such an order would encroach upon Trump’s constitutional right to free speech, particularly on matters of political significance.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office seeks to prevent Trump from publicly discussing the case, fearing his statements could sway jurors or intimidate potential witnesses. Trump’s lawyers counter that he should be permitted to defend himself against attacks from potential witnesses and engage in open discourse.

The case revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal payments made to Daniels just before the 2016 election. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

Prosecutors assert that Trump has a history of attacking individuals involved in legal matters against him, prompting their request for restrictions on his public commentary. However, Trump’s legal team contends that he should have the freedom to respond to accusations and criticism leveled against him.

While Trump’s lawyers do not object to disclosing jurors’ identities only to the legal teams involved in the case and Trump himself, they advocate for additional disclosure to consultants assisting with jury selection.

The battle over the gag order highlights the tension between protecting the integrity of legal proceedings and safeguarding individuals’ rights to free speech, particularly in high-profile cases with political implications.

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Trump remains a frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.