NEW YORK (NEWSnet/AP) — A New York appeals court on Thursday denied Donald Trump’s bid to end a gag order in his hush money criminal case, rejecting the argument that his May conviction “constitutes a change in circumstances.” 

A five-judge appellate panel ruled that the trial judge, Juan M. Merchan, was correct in extending parts of the order until Trump is sentenced, writing that “the fair administration of justice necessarily includes sentencing.”

The ruling came after Trump’s lawyers tried to file papers asking the appellate court to immediately lift the gag order. 

In a copy of the prospective filing provided to the Associated Press, Trump’s lawyers wrote that Vice President Kamala Harris’ entry into the presidential race gives the matter new urgency as she portrays herself as an ex-prosecutor taking on a “convicted felon.”

Harris is the expected presidential candidate for the Democratic party, with President Joe Biden having stepped out on July 21. A virtual roll call is in progress among the Democratic National Convention delegates to confirm the choice.

In the meantime, former president Trump was officially nominated by the Republican party as its presidential candidate.

“It is unconscionable that Harris can speak freely about this case, but President Trump cannot,” Trump lawyer Todd Blanche wrote.

Merchan imposed the gag order in March, a few weeks before the trial started, after prosecutors raised concerns about Trump’s habit of attacking people involved in his cases. During the trial, Merchan held Trump in contempt of court and fined him a total $10,000 for violations; he threatened to jail him if he did it again.

The judge lifted some restrictions in June, freeing Trump to comment about witnesses and jurors but keeping trial prosecutors, court staffers and their families — including his own daughter — off limits until he is sentenced.

Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, was originally scheduled to be sentenced July 11, but Merchan postponed it until Sept. 18, if necessary, while he considers a request to throw out the conviction in response to the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling.

Trump’s conviction, on 34 felony counts, resulted from what prosecutors said was an attempt to cover up a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election.

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