JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a lawsuit against the State of New York, alleging violations of Missourians' First Amendment rights in relation to the 2024 presidential election. The suit contends that New York's prosecution, gag order, and sentencing of President Trump have compromised his ability to campaign effectively.
Bailey has called on the United States Supreme Court to exercise its original jurisdiction under Article III, Section II of the Constitution to address this interstate legal dispute. His petition seeks to have New York's restrictions on Trump's campaigning declared unlawful, any gag orders lifted, and the impending sentencing postponed until after the election.
"Right now, Missouri has a huge problem with New York. Instead of letting presidential candidates campaign on their own merits, radical progressives in New York are trying to rig the 2024 election by waging a direct attack on our democratic process," said Bailey. "I will not sit idly by while Soros-backed prosecutors hold Missouri voters hostage in this presidential election. I am filing suit to ensure every Missourian can exercise their right to hear from and vote for their preferred presidential candidate."
The lawsuit follows New York's recent conviction of President Trump and outlines three specific allegations:
Count I: Interference with the Presidential Election in other States
Count II: Violation of Purcell (a federal case prohibiting courts from sowing voter confusion or changing election rules in the months leading up to an election)
Count III: Violation of the First Amendment rights of voters in other States
"This lawfare is poisonous to American democracy," asserts Bailey in the lawsuit. "The American people ought to be able to participate in a presidential election free from New York’s interference. Any gag order and sentence should be stayed until after the election."
The suit details how Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against Trump allegedly to benefit Joe Biden’s campaign. It also highlights Judge Merchan's actions, including his refusal to recuse himself despite potential conflicts of interest and his imposition of a gag order on Trump.
Bailey concludes that Trump's conviction may likely be overturned on appeal but argues that any constraints imposed by New York will have already affected Trump's ability to campaign. The Attorney General has requested a preliminary injunction from the Supreme Court to halt further action in the New York case until after the election.