A request was made to a federal judge in Washington, D.C., by Special Counsel Jack Smith to impose a "narrowly tailored" gag order in the case of former President Donald Trump.
The newly proposed order would prevent the former president from making public statements that "present a serious and substantial danger of materially prejudicing this case," as Fox News reported.
In a filing, Smith's office accused Trump of engaging in a widespread campaign of disinformation and harassment during his prosecution with the intention of intimidating prosecutors and undermining public confidence in the legal system.
From the Filing
"In service of his criminal conspiracies, through false public statements, the defendant sought to erode public faith in the administration of the election and intimidate individuals who refuted his lies," the filing said.
"The defendant is now attempting to do the same thing in this criminal case — to undermine confidence in the criminal justice system and prejudice the jury pool through disparaging and inflammatory attacks on the citizens of this District, the Court, prosecutors, and prospective witnesses," the filing added.
The "well-defined restriction" would prevent President Trump from commenting on the name, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses if it was authorized by Judge Tanya Chutkan.
In the federal court, President Trump has entered a plea of "not guilty" to all four federal charges brought against him as a result of Special Counsel Smith's investigation into intervention in the 2020 election and the riot that occurred in the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
The leading candidate for the Republican nomination in 2024 has been charged with conspiring to defraud the United States of America, the allegations assert.
Trump is also accused of obstructing an official procedure, attempting to hinder an official proceeding, conspiring against rights, and obstructing and obstructing an official proceeding.
Trump's Take on the Case
The former president has taken to Trump Social, his social media platform, calling the case politically motivated.
Recently, Trump posted, saying, "Biden Prosecutor, Deranged Jack Smith, has asked the Court to limit 45th President, and leading Republican Nominee (by more than 50 points, & beating Dems!)
"So, I’m campaigning for President against an incompetent person who has WEAPONIZED the DOJ & FBI to go after his Political Opponent, & I am not allowed to COMMENT? They Leak, Lie, & Sue, & they won’t allow me to SPEAK? How else would I explain that Jack Smith is DERANGED, or Crooked Joe is INCOMPETENT?"
