Judge gags Trump: “He’s a criminal defendant”

Donald Trump could well face serious sanctions if he violates the ban imposed on him this Monday in the federal trial for his alleged attempts to nullify the results of the 2020 election, after the judge in the case issued her decision to impose a ban on any public comment aimed at prosecutors, court staff, as well as witnesses.

JUST IN: A federal judge issued a limited gag order in the case over Donald Trump’s alleged attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election https://t.co/CzSoXKdNtv

— CNN (@CNN) October 16, 2023

Trump is now very limited in what he can say about the federal prosecution of Special Counsel Jack Smith.

“His presidential candidacy does not give him carte blanche to vilify public servants who are simply doing their jobs,” explained Judge Tanya Chutkan when she issued her ruling.

Trump is no longer allowed to harass or threaten certain people, due to the restrictions imposed on him this morning, including Special Counsel Jack Smith’s staff, court personnel and numerous witnesses:

“Mr. Trump is a criminal defendant. He is facing four felony charges. He is under the supervision of the criminal justice system and he must follow his conditions of release.”

Judge Chutkan thus gave Trump and his lawyers a serious warning:

“Politics stops at this courtroom door.”