Trump’s Attorneys Ask Appeals Court to Lift Gag Order Restricting His Speech on Election Case

Former President Donald Trump has asked a federal appeals court to lift a gag order that restricts his speech about potential witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff in the case that accuses him of scheming to overturn his 2020 election loss.

In a filing on Thursday, Trump’s attorneys argued that the gag order violated the First Amendment rights of Trump and the over 100 million Americans who listen to him. They dismissed the concerns that the gag order was necessary for the proper administration of justice as “baseless”.

Trump’s attorneys have asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to block the gag order ruling from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan while the former president pursues his appeals. The gag order was issued in February after Trump made comments about the case that Chutkan said could influence potential witnesses.

Trump’s attorneys have argued that the gag order is overly broad and that it prevents Trump from expressing his opinion on matters of public interest. They have also argued that the gag order is unconstitutional because it restricts speech about matters of public concern.

The appeals court has yet to rule on Trump’s request. If the court denies the request, Trump’s attorneys have said they will appeal to the Supreme Court.