Appeals Court Upholds Trump Gag Order in Federal Election Subversion Case
An appeals court has upheld most of the gag order on Trump in the federal election subversion case, preventing him from discussing prosecutors, the court, and their families
The appeals court has upheld most of the gag order against former President Donald Trump in the federal election subversion case. He is prohibited from discussing witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and their family members. However, the court clarified that the gag order does not extend to comments about special counsel Jack Smith, a modification from the initial order.
The lengthy opinion issued on Friday by all three judges who heard Trump's appeal at the DC Circuit Court nearly two weeks ago was authored by Judge Patricia Millett. The appeals court stated, "Mr. Trump's documented pattern of speech and its demonstrated real-time, real-world consequences pose a significant and imminent threat to the functioning of the criminal trial process in this case."
The court affirmed that regardless of Trump's campaign for the 2024 presidency, "the courts must continue to uphold their historical commitment and obligation to ensure the fair administration of justice in criminal cases."
Former President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, speaks at a campaign event in Derry, New Hampshire on October 23, 2023. Trump submitted paperwork for the first-in-the-nation primary at the New Hampshire State House on Monday. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
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The court's decision was not made lightly, considering Mr. Trump's status as a former President and current presidential candidate. However, the court emphasized the importance of Mr. Trump facing trial as an indicted criminal defendant, highlighting the principle of the rule of law that applies to all criminal defendants.
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