Trump Appeals Partial Gag Order in DC Case

Donald Trump's attorneys on Tuesday appealed the partial gag order imposed in the Washington, D.C. election interference case against the former president.

The notice of appeal was filed by Trump's attorneys shortly after U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan released her three-page opinion and order which limited statements by all parties to the case, not just Trump.

The partial gag order prohibits public statements from parties to the case that target prosecutors or their staff, defense lawyers or their staff, court staff and supporting personnel, and "any reasonably foreseeable witnesses or the substance of their testimony."

The judge's order Tuesday formalized a ruling that Chutkan described from the bench Monday following a contentious two-hour hearing.

Any violations come with the prospect of sanctions should the former president and 2024 GOP front-runner cross the judge's line, Chutkan said at Monday's hearing.

Chutkan noted that her order does not prohibit Trump from making statements maintaining his innocence, describing his prosecution as politically motivated, "criticizing the government generally, including the current administration or the Department of Justice," or criticizing the campaign platforms of rivals in the 2024 presidential race, including former Vice President Mike Pence.

The former president and GOP 2024 frontrunner has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial is scheduled to begin on March 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

The trial date has been sharply contested by Trump's defense attorneys, who have repeatedly argued it should occur after the 2024 presidential election. While the procedural timeline for Trump's appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia is uncertain, appeals of pre-trial issues could potentially lead to delays in the case.