In a recent development, a three-judge appeals court panel has put a pause on the federal gag order that placed certain restrictions on former President Donald Trump's speech ahead of his federal 2020 election interference trial in Washington, D.C. The ruling, filed on Friday, temporarily stays Judge Tanya Chutkan's decision, which barred Trump from publicly targeting court staff, potential witnesses, and members of special counsel Jack Smith's prosecutorial team.

The order issued by the appeals court panel does not indicate a decision on the merits of the gag order itself. Rather, it aims to provide more time for the appeals court to thoroughly consider the arguments presented in the case. The panel, comprised of Judges Patricia Millett, Cornelia Pillard, and Bradley Garcia, granted Trump's request for an emergency pause on the order, swiftly responding to the motion filed by Trump's attorneys within 24 hours.

A briefing schedule has also been established by the panel, scheduling oral arguments before the appeals court to take place on November 20 in Washington, D.C.

Trump's legal team argued in their filing on Thursday that Judge Chutkan's order amounts to "muzzling President Trump's core political speech during an historic Presidential campaign." They referred to the gag order as unprecedented, sweeping, and "viewpoint based." On the contrary, the Justice Department opposed Trump's request and has consistently advocated for the maintenance of the gag order.

This is not the first time the gag order has been temporarily stayed. Earlier, Judge Chutkan herself paused her own ruling for a few days, allowing the courts to further analyze the legal issues at hand. The special counsel, led by Jack Smith, initially requested restrictions on Trump's speech during pre-trial litigation, citing potential dangers stemming from his language that could jeopardize the administration of justice and the integrity of the legal proceedings.

However, Judge Chutkan only partially granted the government's request, prohibiting Trump from publicly targeting court staff, federal prosecutors by name, and potential witnesses in the case. She confirmed that her decision was not based on personal preference but rather on whether the comments made by Trump could pose threats to a fair trial in the future. Chutkan emphasized that Trump would still be allowed to freely express his opinions regarding the Justice Department, the Biden administration, and broadly criticize the case against him.

The former president faces four charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, vehemently denying any wrongdoing. He has also accused the special counsel's team, as well as Judge Chutkan herself, of being politically biased against him. However, Chutkan has consistently maintained the importance of keeping politics out of her courtroom and has emphasized that her gag order is meant to ensure the integrity of the legal proceedings.

As the legal battle continues, the pause on the gag order provides additional time for the appeals court to thoroughly evaluate the arguments put forth by both sides. The outcome of the upcoming oral arguments on November 20 will be eagerly awaited by all parties involved in this high-profile case.