Judge Chutkan Issues Partial Gag Order on Former President Donald Trump in Election Interference Case

A federal judge in Washington has issued a partial gag order on former President Donald Trump in the case of alleged election interference. The order, issued on Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, bars Trump from making statements targeting prosecutors, possible witnesses, and court staff or personnel.

The order was issued in response to a request from special counsel Jack Smith, who had raised alarm about a barrage of statements made by Trump disparaging prosecutors, the judge, and prospective witnesses. The order does not restrict Trump from making statements about Washington, D.C. and its residence, nor from criticizing the government or the Justice Department generally.

Judge Chutkan said that the order was necessary to maintain public confidence in the court system and to ensure that witnesses or people who might be picked as jurors are not influenced by outside statements. She noted that the order was not intended to limit Trump’s free speech rights, but to protect the integrity of the court proceedings.

The order comes as Trump faces a federal criminal investigation into his alleged involvement in the 2020 election subversion. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has called the investigation a “witch hunt.” The outcome of the case is still pending.