Trump, who has for years taken to social media to attack his political opponents, also retains great influence over his followers, some of whom have in several cases harassed figures the former president has attacked on social media — examples that Smith cited in his papers arguing for the gag order.

The former president, who remains the leading contender to win the Republican nomination for president in 2024, has continually argued that all his indictments are unfair, and he has also insisted that he will not receive a fair trial in Washington, D.C.

Later Friday, Trump again hit Smith while speaking at the Concerned Women for America summit in Washington, D.C., saying “they want to take away my freedom” and First Amendment rights.