Former President Donald Trump has criticized U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s recent reinstatement of a gag order, considering it an attack on his First Amendment rights.
The gag order, which Chutkan reestablished, prevents Trump from making public comments that target prosecutors, court staff, and potential witnesses in the case related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This order was temporarily lifted as Chutkan assessed Trump’s request to suspend it while he challenged speech restrictions in higher courts. However, it was reinstated after prosecutors cited Trump’s social media comments about his former chief of staff, which they believed were attempts to influence and intimidate a potential witness.
Trump responded to the gag order through a post on Truth Social, expressing his belief that it unlawfully infringes on his First Amendment right to free speech, particularly during his presidential campaign. He vowed to appeal the decision, claiming that it puts him at a disadvantage against his prosecutorial and political opponents and challenges his ability to campaign openly and freely.
