In a recent development in former President Trump’s classified documents case, his attorneys have filed an opposition to a motion from Special Counsel Jack Smith requesting a gag order. The defense team alleges that the government’s request constitutes “unconstitutional censorship” and targets Trump’s campaign speech.
According to Trump’s lawyers, Smith’s motion is an attempt to silence Trump’s political speech and violates his First Amendment rights. They argue that the gag order is based on vague and unsupported assertions of threats to law enforcement personnel whose identities are already subject to a protective order.
The defense team also expressed concerns about the timing of the motion, which was filed on a Friday preceding a holiday weekend. They claim this timing violates rules governing how motions are filed and is unprofessional.
The motion by Special Counsel Smith seeks to prohibit Trump from making statements that pose a danger to law enforcement agents involved in the classified documents investigation. Smith’s team argues that Trump’s previous statements about FBI agents, in which he claimed they were “locked & loaded ready to take me out,” have exposed federal agents to “unjustified and unacceptable risks.”
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the indictment against him is part of a politically motivated “witch hunt” designed to keep him from winning the presidency. Smith’s team has denied these allegations and asserted that their motives are pure, intended to support the rule of law.
The investigation is overseen by Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Smith has charged Trump with 40 felony counts, including violating the Espionage Act, making false statements to investigators, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Trump has pleaded not guilty. The case is not expected to go to trial until after the November election.
