Trump loses gag order appeal in hush money case

Donald Trump has lost his appeal to have the gag order imposed in his hush money case lifted, Reuters reported Thursday.

A New York state appeals court ordered the restrictions stay in place until his sentencing, which is scheduled for September 18.

The former president was convicted in May of business fraud charges involving payments made to cover up a sexual tryst he had with an adult movie star.

He argued that the gag, which restricts him from talking about trial prosecutors, court staffers and their families, is preventing him from effectively campaigning in his run to become president.

Restrictions barring him from targeting witnesses and jurors were lifted after his conviction.

Trump was held in contempt of court and fined $10,000 for violating the order during the trial.