Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan says gag order on Trump would be ‘unconstitutional’
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, joined with another House Republican chairman on Tuesday to oppose an anticipated gag order on former President Donald Trump pending his New York trial.
More: Trump indictment live updates: Arraignment to come after surrender in historic NYC case
Trump is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday on charges that remain sealed from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and then give a speech at 8:15 p.m. at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago.
Jordan, head of the Judiciary Committee, and James Comer, head of the Oversight and Accountability Committee, called any potential order from Acting New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan against Trump speaking about the charges unconstitutional.
“We are deeply concerned by reports the New York District Attorney may seek an unconstitutional gag order,” the chairmen said in a joint statement. “To put any restrictions on the ability of President Trump to discuss his mistreatment at the hands of this politically motivated prosecutor would only further demonstrate the weaponization of the New York justice system.”
Jordan is one of Trump's strongest supporters in the Ohio congressional delegation.
The letter went on to say that "to even contemplate stifling the speech of the former commander in chief and current candidate for President is at odds with everything America stands for."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim Jordan says gag order on Donald Trump case is 'unconstitutional'
