Federal Court Maintains Trump Silence Rule
On Friday, a federal appeals court affirmed key parts of a gag order limiting former President Donald Trump's public statements regarding his ongoing prosecution by the Special Counsel for alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election.
The order, issued by a federal judge in October, prohibits Trump from making or directing others to make public statements about known or potential witnesses in the investigation or the criminal proceeding related to the January 6th Capitol riot. The judge cited concerns that Trump's statements could pose a significant and imminent threat to the fair and orderly adjudication of the case.
The appeals court agreed with the district court's decision, stating that the order was necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation. However, they also noted that the order went too far in limiting protected speech. Therefore, the court affirmed the order in part and vacated it in part.
An Appeals panel of 3 democrat appointed DC Circuit Court Judges have ruled that rogue Judge Chutkan’s over-broad gag order on Trump was unconstitutional.
Trump still cannot “target foreseeable witnesses or court staff.”
But, he CAN now resume attacking Jack Smith all he… pic.twitter.com/EOydS2NAFk
— ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) December 8, 2023
Trump responded to the decision on his newly launched social media platform, Truth Social, where he announced his plans to appeal the ruling. He criticized the gag order, claiming that it restricts his First Amendment rights and prevents him from responding to attacks from others.
He also expressed frustration with the Special Select Committee investigating the January 6th riot, accusing them of deleting and destroying important documents and evidence related to the case. Trump vowed to continue fighting the gag order and seeking justice.
The case against Trump stems from his alleged involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot, where a mob of his supporters stormed the building in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election. Several people have been charged for their role in the riot, and the investigation is ongoing.
Trump says the gag order in his New York fraud trial is an honor because it means they don’t want to hear him speak. He said he is not concerned about testifying on Monday. pic.twitter.com/eHkY1JGdfm
— Jake Traylor (@jake__traylor) December 6, 2023
Critics of Trump have accused him of inciting the violence through his repeated false claims of a stolen election and his speech leading up to the rally on January 6th. Trump and his legal team have denied any wrongdoing and have argued that his inflammatory rhetoric is protected under the First Amendment.
The ruling by the appeals court is just the latest development in Trump's ongoing legal battles. He has faced multiple lawsuits and investigations since leaving office, including a defamation lawsuit from former adult film star Stormy Daniels and an investigation into his company's financial practices.
It remains to be seen how the gag order and potential appeal will impact the ongoing investigation and Trump's ability to publicly comment on the case. As the legal proceedings continue, tensions and divisions surrounding the January 6th riot and its aftermath show no signs of easing, with supporters and critics of Trump remaining firmly entrenched in their views.