Title: Special Counsel Urges Reimposition of Gag Order on Former President Trump
In an ongoing legal battle, Special Counsel Jack Smith has called on a federal judge to reinstate a partial gag order on former President Donald Trump. The move comes in response to Smith’s claims that Trump has been attempting to intimidate witnesses through social media and public statements in a federal election interference case.
Smith argued that Trump’s continuous efforts to intimidate witnesses necessitate the reestablishment of the gag order. Trump, however, has appealed the order and requested a hold on the restrictions pending the outcome of the appeal.
In a recent response, Smith filed a counterclaim, urging the court to reject Trump’s request and reinstate the gag order. The special counsel’s office emphasized that since the temporary lifting of restrictions, Trump has violated the specific prohibitions outlined in the gag order. These violations include targeting prosecutors, court personnel, and likely witnesses.
Smith pointed to a Truth Social message posted by Trump on October 24 as evidence of continued misconduct. In the message, Trump insinuated that his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, had lied and had been coerced into testifying.
Without the protection of a gag order, Smith argued that Trump will persist in his harmful and prejudicial attacks. Furthermore, Smith called on the court to clarify that Trump is prohibited from communicating with witnesses about the facts of the case, including through indirect messages on social media or in speeches.
The special counsel asserted that the previously imposed restrictions were necessary to safeguard the integrity of the court proceedings and to protect witnesses from intimidation and threats.
Trump’s legal team has until Saturday to respond to Smith’s filing. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address the reinstitution of the gag order and the impact it may have on Trump’s ability to communicate publicly regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
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