The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied President Trump’s appeal on his limited gag order in his federal election interference case.

The new filings mean that the gag will remain.

However, President Trump could still appeal the gag order through the Supreme Court.

ABC News shares more on the story:

The full D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said Tuesday it will not take up an appeal from former President Donald Trump of the limited gag order placed on him in his federal election interference case, according to a new court filing.

The ruling, which did not include any accompanying opinion, means Trump could now seek to appeal the issue to the Supreme Court.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in October granted part of the government’s request for a narrowly tailored gag order against Trump, prohibiting him from making or “reposting” statements “publicly targeting” the special counsel and his staff, as well as Chutkan’s staff and the staff of other D.C. district court personnel.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision is a blow to free speech.

President Trump deserves the ability to speak freely during his campaign.

CBS News shares more on the story:

The three-judge panel upheld most of Chutkan’s order, ruling that Trump cannot target potential witnesses or speak publicly about any lawyers involved in the case — except Smith himself — or their families. However, Trump can continue criticizing the Biden administration and the Justice Department, and can claim that Smith’s prosecution is politically motivated.

Tuesday’s order denying Trump’s appeal indicated the decision was unanimous, with no judges requesting a vote on the matter. Trump’s attorneys had previously indicated that they would likely take the matter to the Supreme Court if the appeals court did not rule in their favor.

CBS News has reached out to Trump’s campaign for comment.

In the December order, the three judges — Patricia Millett, Cornelia Pillard and Bradley Garcia — said they agreed with Chutkan that some aspects of Trump’s public comments “pose a significant and imminent threat” to the integrity of the ongoing criminal prosecution, “warranting a speech-constraining protective order.”

But the judges also said the order put in place by Chutkan “sweeps in more protected speech than is necessary” and struck down portions of the restrictions, including those that prevented Trump from publicly speaking about Smith.

Trump was charged with four counts related to alleged efforts to prevent the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election. He has pleaded not guilty and denied all wrongdoing.

 

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