Trump Fights Back Against Gag Order

Former President Donald Trump has spoken up against a new gag order imposed on him by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, denouncing it as an attack on his First Amendment rights. The order, reinstated by Chutkan, pertains to Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and restricts him from making public comments targeting prosecutors, court personnel and potential witnesses.

Responding to the order on Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration, asserting that Chutkan’s bias and animosity towards him influenced her decision. In his post, he argued, “This order, according to many legal scholars, is unthinkable! It illegally and unconstitutionally takes away my First Amendment Right of Free Speech, in the middle of my campaign for President, where I am leading against BOTH Parties in the Polls,” he stated.

“Few can believe this is happening, but I will appeal. How can they tell the leading candidate that he, and only he, is seriously restricted from campaigning in a free and open manner? It will not stand!” he added.

TRUMP FIGHTS BACK: Former President Donald Trump criticized U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan for taking away his right to free speech by reinstating a gag order against him. MORE: https://t.co/Jty5IMc7gU pic.twitter.com/eBngQEV9Gw

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 31, 2023

The legal battle surrounding the gag order has escalated as Trump’s lawyers vow to challenge it in higher courts. This clash raises significant questions about the limitations that can be imposed on the speech of a defendant simultaneously running for the highest public office in America.

Previously, Judge Chutkan had temporarily lifted the gag order while considering Trump’s request to keep it on hold during his legal challenge. However, the order was reinstated after prosecutors cited Trump’s recent social media comments about his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, which they argued amounted to an attempt to influence and intimidate a potential witness in the case.

Responding to an ABC News report that Meadows would be testifying before a grand jury having secured an immunity deal in the case, Trump had said that those who spill to prosecutors are “weaklings and cowards.” “I don’t think that Mark Meadows is one of them but who really knows?” he wrote.