Trump legal team moves to expedite gag order appeal in hush money case

Donald Trump's attorneys have reportedly asked a New York appeals court to quickly hear an appeal of a judge's limited gag order in the former president's hush money trial.

Sources told CNN that Trump's team filed an order to show cause with the appeals court Wednesday. CNN reported that the filing had been sealed.

Simultaneously, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has lodged a motion in opposition to the order to show cause, further escalating the legal dispute.

"Trump’s lawyers are urging the full panel of appellate judges to rule on the constitutionality of the gag order, people familiar with the matter say," CNN noted.

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Trump's legal team has previously asked an appeals court judge for emergency relief to lift the gag order, but that was denied.

New York Justice Juan Merchan issued the limited gag order to prevent Trump from attacking potential witnesses, court staff, or their families. The order allows Trump to criticize the judge and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Merchan has already penalized Trump with a $10,000 fine for ten breaches of the gag order. The judge has issued a stern warning, indicating that Trump could face imprisonment if he disregards the order once more.