Federal judge reimposes partial gag order on Trump in election case

A federal judge late Sunday reimposed a partial gag order on former President Donald Trump in advance of his trial on criminal charges related to his challenge of the 2020 election.


U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan had lifted her gag order nine days ago to give Trump and Special Counsel Jack Smith time to argue whether the limitations on the former president‘s speech were unconstitutional.

The American Civil Liberties Union weighed in on Trump’s side, saying the judge’s order was too vague.

But Chutkan posted an order late Sunday reinstating the speech restrictions even as it is being appealed. Trump can now ask for the order to be stayed by a federal appeals court or the US Supreme Court.

In the meantime, Sunday’s decision means Trump is once again barred from making comments “targeting” Smith and his staff, witnesses or court personnel involved in the case.