Appeals Court Narrows Trump Gag Order in Election Case, Trump Responds with Insults

A federal appeals court has largely upheld the gag order imposed on former President Donald Trump in the criminal case accusing him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, but narrowed its terms to allow him to criticize special counsel Jack Smith. The court struck a balance between protecting those involved in the case from Trump's attacks and allowing him to speak his mind while running for office. The ruling permits Trump to assert that the prosecution is a political vendetta and to directly criticize Smith. However, the court found that the lower court's order included more protected speech than necessary. Trump's lawyers have promised to challenge any remaining portions of the order.