A federal judge has imposed a gag order to US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, limiting what he may say regarding special counsel Jack Smith’s federal investigation into his alleged attempt to undermine the 2020 presidential election.
Trump’s power to publicly criticize court personnel, possible witnesses, or the special counsel and his staff is limited by the order, which was issued on Monday, October 16. The injunction did not prohibit disparaging remarks about Washington, DC – where the jury would convene – or specific remarks about the Justice Department at large, both of which the government asked.
Following the two federal indictments of the former president, Trump has lashed out at prosecutors, possible witnesses, and the Washington judge hearing the election subversion case. Prosecutors with special counsel Jack Smith’s office argue Trump’s remarks are sufficient to establish a tight ban on his speech related to the case.
“This is not about whether I like Mr. Trump’s language,” Judge Tanya Chutkan remarked. “This is about language that presents a danger to the administration of justice.”
“His presidential candidacy does not give him carte blanche to vilify public servants who are simply doing their jobs,” said the judge in his ruling.
Chutkan stated that any breach of her directions could result in punishment.
Trump claimed in a statement on his social media website Truth Social that he will appeal Chutkan’s order.
“WILL APPEAL THE GAG ORDER DECISION.” WITCH HUNT!” he exclaimed.
Judge Chutkan, who has frequently been the target of Trump’s criticism, has cautioned the former president that any comments he or his counsel make could jeopardize the case.
“Mr. Trump is a criminal suspect.” He is charged with four felonies. “He is under the supervision of the criminal justice system, and he must follow his release conditions,” Chutkan said during the hearing on Monday.
“He does not have the right to say and do whatever he wants.” “Are you in agreement?” She enquired of Trump attorney John Lauro, who replied, “100%.”
Trump has referred to Chutkan as a “biased, Trump-hating Judge” and Smith as “deranged” and a “thug” in social media posts, as well as attacking specific members of his team.
“When you start to use a word like ‘thug’ to describe a prosecutor doing their job, that wouldn’t be allowed by any other criminal defendant,” Chutkan went on to say.
“Just because the defendant is running a political campaign does not allow him to do whatever he wants.”
“If the message Mr. Trump wants to express is’my prosecution is politically motivated,'” she continued, he can do it without using “highly charged language.”
