In a recent development, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has rejected former President Donald Trump's appeal of the gag order imposed on him in the federal election interference case. The court declined his requests to rehear the appeal, both by the three-judge panel and the full D.C. circuit court.

The gag order was initially imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith against Trump. Chutkan implemented the order last year after the former president shared disparaging messages on social media targeting key individuals involved in the case, including Chutkan and Smith.

Trump’s attempts to challenge the gag order have been ongoing since it was issued. In December, a federal appeals court in D.C. partially narrowed the order, allowing Trump to respond if a high-profile witness makes disparaging comments about him and permitting him to criticize Smith himself.

However, the recent decision by the circuit court means that the gag order will remain in place, unless Trump elevates the matter to the Supreme Court. To appeal the order further, the former president would need to bring the case before the nation's highest court.

In addition to his battle against the gag order, Trump is also awaiting a ruling from a three-judge panel of the appeals court on his attempt to dismiss the federal election interference case against him. Trump claims that presidential immunity shields him from prosecution since his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results were part of his official duties. A decision on this matter is expected soon.

The election interference trial is currently scheduled to commence on March 4. However, this timeline may be subject to change if the court fails to resolve the question of immunity or if Trump pursues the case further to the Supreme Court.

As the legal proceedings continue, the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-stakes case, which will have significant implications for the former president and the broader political landscape.