In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into his alleged attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election, former US President Donald Trump has been issued a gag order by a Federal judge.
This order, issued on Monday, October 16, restricts Trump’s ability to make certain statements about the special counsel, Jack Smith, federal prosecution, and individuals involved in the case.
The gag order primarily limits Trump’s public comments targeting court personnel, potential witnesses, and the special counsel and his staff.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
However, it does not impose restrictions on disparaging comments about Washington, D.C., where the jury will preside, or specific remarks about the Justice Department as a whole, both of which were requested by the government.
The order comes in response to Trump’s vocal criticism of the prosecutors, potential witnesses, and the judge overseeing the election subversion case in Washington.
Special counsel Jack Smith’s office argues that these comments have the potential to prejudice the case and the administration of justice.
READ ALSO: Elon Musk’s X Faces $386,000 Fine in Australia for This Serious Offense (See Details)
Judge Tanya Chutkan, who issued the order, emphasized that it’s not a matter of liking or disliking Trump’s language but rather about language that poses a danger to the fair administration of justice.
She stated, “His presidential candidacy does not give him carte blanche to vilify public servants who are simply doing their jobs.”
Chutkan made it clear that any violation of her orders could result in sanctions. Trump, in response, announced his intention to appeal the gag order, referring to the situation as a “witch hunt.”
Throughout this legal battle, Judge Chutkan has been a frequent target of Trump’s attacks. She cautioned the former president that comments made by him or his attorneys could jeopardize the case, emphasizing that as a criminal defendant facing four felony charges, he must follow his conditions of release.
The judge stressed that even though Trump is running a political campaign, he is not exempt from the norms expected of any other criminal defendant.
While he is free to express concerns about politically motivated prosecution, he should refrain from using “highly charged language.”
