A New York court has issued a gag order against former US President Donald Trump in anticipation of an upcoming criminal bribery case. Judge Juan Marchan issued the order on Tuesday, instructing Trump to abstain from making public comments regarding court staff, judges, witnesses, district attorney's office lawyers, or their families. The directive was reported by British media outlets.

The order was issued at the request of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg following Trump's social media attacks on Justice Marchan's daughter via Truth Social. Trump also referred to the judge as a "hater" in his remarks.

Trump's campaign team expressed outrage over the order, contending that it infringes upon Trump's right to free speech.

The trial involving Trump is scheduled to commence on April 15 concerning the alleged bribery case involving porn star Stormy Daniels. Despite requests for additional time from the defendants, Justice Marchan firmly set the trial date. This marks the first instance of a former US president facing trial in a criminal case.

While Trump faces four criminal cases, this particular trial is anticipated to be the only one he must confront before the November presidential election if he chooses to run as a potential candidate for the Republican Party. Trump has consistently denied all 34 allegations leveled against him.