Former President Donald Trump is facing multiple legal battles in New York, including a hush money criminal trial set to begin on April 15. Trump's lawyers have been fighting against a gag order imposed by Justice Juan Merchan, which restricts Trump from making public comments about potential witnesses and court staff. They argued in a recent hearing at the Appellate Division that the gag order should be modified to allow Trump to respond to public criticism leveled against him. However, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has raised concerns about the impact of Trump's statements on potential witnesses, leading to increased security measures and witness reluctance to testify.

In a separate appeal, Trump is also seeking a change of venue for the trial and a stay of the gag order. His lawyers have argued that he cannot receive a fair trial in heavily Democratic Manhattan, citing a survey that showed a majority of respondents believed Trump was guilty. Trump has previously attempted to delay the trial and challenge the judge's rulings, including a failed attempt to move the trial to Staten Island.

The hush money case involves allegations that Trump covered up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about a sexual encounter before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records and denied any wrongdoing. This trial is the first of four criminal indictments Trump faces as he prepares to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming U.S. election rematch. The legal battles highlight the ongoing legal challenges Trump is facing as he navigates the aftermath of his presidency.