A federal judge has imposed a partial gag order on former President Donald Trump in his criminal election interference case in Washington, D.C. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan has prohibited Trump and other parties in the case from making public statements targeting special counsel Jack Smith and his staff. Additionally, the order restricts statements targeting court staff.

The ruling, granted by Judge Chutkan, meets some of the restrictions sought by Special Counsel Smith, who is prosecuting the federal case accusing Trump of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

During the hearing, Judge Chutkan expressed concerns regarding the scope of Smith’s proposed order. She questioned the definition of “disparaging” statements about the case and how such an order could be enforced against a former president.

Trump’s defense lawyer, John Lauro, argued that limiting his client’s out-of-court statements would infringe upon Trump’s First Amendment rights, leading to repeated clashes between Lauro and Judge Chutkan. The partial gag order seeks to maintain decorum and prevent public attacks on the legal proceedings and individuals involved in the case.