Former President Donald Trump faced the reinstatement of a limited gag order by federal judge Tanya Chutkan, with the restriction barring him from criticizing court personnel, prosecutors, and potential witnesses until his trial in the 2020 presidential election subversion case. The judge had briefly lifted the order earlier for his legal team to appeal, only to reimpose it on Sunday, prompting an immediate response from Trump, who referred to the judge as “Trump-hating.”
Expressing concerns about the gag order putting him at a disadvantage, Trump highlighted potential challenges in his battle against “prosecutorial and political opponents” in a post on his Truth Social media platform. The case against him involves charges of conspiracy to defraud the US, obstructing an official proceeding, and other counts related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump has maintained his innocence and is set to face trial in March.
Special counsel Jack Smith, leading the investigation, initially sought the gag order, citing potential prejudice resulting from Trump’s outspoken comments. Trump had previously directed derogatory remarks toward Smith, calling him a “deranged lunatic” and a “thug.” While the exact reasons for the reinstatement of the order remain undisclosed, Trump’s legal team argued that the order impinges on his right to free speech.
Trump’s lawyers also requested Judge Chutkan’s recusal from the case, alleging her past comments had created a biased perception against him. However, in September, the judge rejected the request, citing the lack of evidence supporting their claims. Notably, Trump is simultaneously subject to a separate gag order in an ongoing civil fraud trial in New York, where the judge has already levied fines against him for violating the order.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Star
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