A gag order prohibiting former President Donald Trump from making statements about potential witnesses or disparaging comments about the prosecutors involved in the federal election interference case against him has been temporarily paused by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
The appeals court will hear oral arguments on November 20 regarding Trump’s request to permanently remove the gag order. The order will remain stayed until the court makes a decision.
Trump’s attorneys claimed that the gag order was unnecessary and violated his First Amendment rights. They argued that the order displayed “unconstitutional hostility” towards the former president and requested an immediate stay.
A spokesperson from the office of special counsel Jack Smith declined to comment on the matter.
Prosecutors maintained that the order was crucial to protect the integrity of the trial and the jury pool. They cited instances where Trump publicly criticized witnesses and commented on their potential testimony.
Last month, Judge Tanya Chutkan temporarily paused her order to allow Trump’s defense team to appeal her ruling. Chutkan clarified that her ruling did not restrict criticism of the government or the Justice Department. She also stated that Trump was free to criticize his political rivals.
Judge Authur Engoron, who is presiding over Trump’s $250 million civil fraud trial, also issued a partial gag order last month following disparaging remarks made by Trump. The former president was fined twice for violating that order. The gag order was expanded to include Trump’s attorneys after they falsely accused Engoron’s law clerk of bias.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
