Trump is appealing the gag order imposed on him in the 2020 presidential election interference case

Former President Donald Trump is attractive Tight gag order Which prevents him from making statements attacking prosecutors, potential witnesses and court officials in his country The issue of interference in elections In Washington, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

Trump’s lawyers said in court papers that they would appeal the injunction U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan This restricts Trump’s public statements regarding the case that accuses him of planning to subvert the results of the 2020 elections.

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team sought an order against him 2024 Republican presidential nominee Due to a series of verbal attacks on potential witnesses and others. Prosecutors say Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric is intended to undermine public confidence in the judicial process and taint juries.

During Monday’s court hearing, Chutkan said Trump could criticize the Justice Department generally and assert his belief that the case was politically motivated. Her order also explicitly states that Trump is allowed to criticize the campaign platforms or policies of his political rivals, such as former Vice President Mike Pence — a contender for the Republican nomination and a potential witness in the case.

However, Chutkan said Trump cannot wage a “smear campaign” against prosecutors and court staff. The judge, nominated by former President Barack Obama, has repeatedly expressed concern that Trump’s rhetoric might inspire his supporters to violence.

Trump criticized the gag order as he did so He returned to court Tuesday to stand trial on civil fraud chargesHe insisted he was “not saying anything wrong.” His lawyers told the judge that the former president was entitled to criticize prosecutors and that the court should not be able to restrict his First Amendment rights.

Legal experts said Chutkan’s gag order may be fair The beginning of an unprecedented battle About the limits that can be imposed on the speech of a defendant who is also campaigning for the highest public office in America. The case could eventually end up at the US Supreme Court.

At rallies and in his social media posts, Trump has repeatedly sought to discredit Smith, other prosecutors, potential witnesses and even the judge. He described prosecutors as a “team of thugs,” called Chutkan “extremely biased and unfair,” and referred to one potential witness as a “stupid pig.” Prosecutors also cited a post in which Trump suggested this Mark Milliethe retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time, committed treason and should be executed.

The case that accuses Trump of planning to subvert the election results is He is scheduled to stand trial in March. It’s one of Four criminal cases Trump is facing this issue during his campaign to return to the White House in 2024. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

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Richter reported from Boston. Associated Press reporter Jill Colvin in New York contributed.