Trump ordered the gag of Jack Smith but has the right to continue attacking Biden

Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Iowa on Monday Photo: Matthew Putney/AP

Judge orders partial gagging of Donald Trump , which prevents him from attacking the special counsel investigating his case, but allows him to continue to condemn Joe Biden and his administration.

In recent months, the former president has begun attacking special counsel Jack Smith, blaming the man. is investigating Trump for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 election, calling him a “crazed lunatic.”

“The prosecutor in this case… is a thug. I called him «Crazy Jack Smith,» Trump said at an event in June.

“He's a behind-the-scenes guy, but his track record is terrible. He's taking political shots.»

On Monday, Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed to impose a partial limit on the language Mr. Trump is using as he seeks to win a second term as president and defends himself against four separate criminal charges.

She didn't make any harsh statements. a blanket ban, a compromise that should allow Trump to continue attacking Biden, whom he appears set to face next year in a repeat of their 2020 election battle.

“It’s not about whether I like the language Mr. Trump uses,” Ms. Chutkan said. “This is about speech that poses a danger to the administration of justice.”

She added: “His candidacy for president does not give him carte blanche to denigrate public servants who are simply doing their jobs.”

Trump's lawyers have sought to avoid any restrictions, arguing that it would violate his First Amendment right to free speech.

He is currently the clear favorite, with a lead over his GOP rivals in national polls. by as much as 46 points.

Previously, a judge hearing a civil case in New York imposed a gag order on Trump.

However, this is the first of the four criminal cases he is handling and comes to them , as the Justice Department becomes increasingly concerned that some of Trump's remarks could have dangerous consequences.

Seeking a gag order, Smith's team accused Trump of using online attacks to try to taint the jury pool that will be hear two federal cases: one alleging possession of classified documents and one alleging efforts to block the transfer of power.

John Lauro, Trump's lawyer, accused prosecutors of «seeking to censor a political candidate in the midst of a campaign.»

Last month, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in his address to new citizens at a ceremony on Ellis Island: “The defense of the law—the rule of law—is the foundation of our system of government.”