Trump's Explosive Reaction to Federal Gag Order in 2020 Election Subversion Case

Former President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of the gag order imposed by the federal judge overseeing his federal 2020 election subversion case. He claimed that his right to speak had been taken away, emphasizing the perception that he is being unfairly treated. Trump conveyed these sentiments to the press just before entering a New York courtroom to attend his ongoing civil fraud trial.

"I'm currently leading Joe Biden, but my ability to express myself is being limited. They have taken away my right to give speeches. I am a candidate running for office and sadly, speaking has been prohibited," expressed Trump, making reference to the recent partial gag order imposed by US District Judge Tanya Chutkan.

Trump confirmed that his team intends to appeal against this order.

The ability of Trump to publicly target court personnel, potential witnesses, or special counsel Jack Smith and his staff is restricted by the gag order. However, there are no restrictions imposed on making disparaging comments about Washington, DC - where the jury will take place - or certain comments about the Justice Department at large, both of which prosecutors requested.

Former President Donald Trump sits in court for a civil fraud case at a Manhattan courthouse, in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Shannon Stapleton/Pool/AP

Key points from the contentious hearing on the Trump gag order and its implications:

In court on Monday, Chutkan declared, "My judgment here is not based on my personal opinion of Mr. Trump's language. It is focused on language that poses a threat to the fair implementation of justice."

Trump was already subject to a gag order from the New York state judge presiding over his fraud trial. The judge, Arthur Engoron, had issued the order after the former president made a social media post attacking a clerk of the court. Judge Engoron sternly stated that personal attacks on any court staff member were unacceptable and would not be tolerated.

Tuesdays proceedings in the New York civil fraud case will include more testimony from Donna Kidder, the Trump Organizations assistant controller.