Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer during the Trump administration, expressed his view that former President Donald Trump’s personality traits could result in jail time. Speaking to CNN’s Erin Burnett, Cobb highlighted Trump’s alleged violations of a gag order, suggesting that his behavior might test the patience of Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing a federal case against Trump. This case relates to Trump’s actions following his loss in the 2020 election.
Cobb, who served from July 2017 to May 2018, believes that the court will support Judge Chutkan’s gag order. This order, currently under review by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, restricts Trump and his legal team from using certain language against special counsel Jack Smith, his staff, court staff, and witnesses.
Prosecutors have raised concerns about Trump’s social media posts, which they argue target individuals involved in his case. Trump, however, contends that the gag order infringes on his free speech rights and has indicated his willingness to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.
During a panel discussion, judges appointed by Democratic presidents, including Patricia Millett, Cornelia Pillard, and Brad Garcia, posed challenging questions to both parties. Cobb observed that the judges were trying to precisely define the scope of the gag order and its impact on free speech, while ensuring the integrity of the judicial process.
The gag order has experienced fluctuations in its enforcement. Initially imposed by Judge Chutkan in response to prosecutors’ concerns about Trump’s rhetoric, it was briefly lifted, then reimposed, and is currently paused as the appeals court hears Trump’s challenge.