Trump's First Amendment Limits Tested in High-Stakes Gag Order Hearing

Former President Donald Trump will argue in a high-stakes hearing before the US DC Circuit Court of Appeals that the gag order placed on him in his federal election subversion criminal case is unconstitutional. The gag order restricts Trump's ability to publicly target court personnel, potential witnesses, and special counsel Jack Smith and his staff. Trump's attorneys claim that the gag order violates his First Amendment rights and the rights of the American public to receive and listen to his speech. Legal experts have cast doubt on Trump's argument, stating that limitations on free speech rights may be necessary to ensure a fair trial. This is the second gag order appeal by Trump in recent weeks, and the appeals court has temporarily frozen the order. The panel of judges randomly selected for the appeal includes two judges who have previously ruled against Trump.