On Monday, a federal appeals court displayed skepticism towards former President Donald Trump’s efforts to lift a gag order in his election-subversion case.

However, the court seemed open to refining the restrictions on what the ex-president can express, particularly during the intensity of the 2024 campaign.

In oral arguments, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit delved into the nuances of what kind of rhetoric should be permitted or restricted under the gag order issued by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, the Washington Times reported.

The order prevents Mr. Trump and his legal team from targeting special counsel Jack Smith, court personnel, or witnesses leading up to the trial on charges related to his alleged conspiracy against the U.S. by attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Mr. Trump, known for frequent social media posts and lengthy speeches at campaign rallies, opposes the gag order, contending that it represents an unprecedented attempt to curtail his First Amendment right to speech as he campaigns for the presidency, potentially in a rematch with President Biden in 2024.

Judge Chutkan temporarily lifted the order while Mr. Trump challenged it in higher courts.

Written by B.C. Begley