Former President Donald Trump is facing increased scrutiny from the Department of Justice (DOJ) as they seek a gag order against him due to his comments about the death penalty and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. The DOJ prosecutors initially requested the gag order, citing concerns that Trump's public statements could interfere with the legal proceedings. However, their request gained further urgency after Trump made a series of accusations on his social media platform Truth Social, criticizing Milley's alleged phone call to Chinese counterparts following the January 6, 2021 protests.

In his posts, Trump labeled Milley a "Woke train wreck" and suggested that his reported communication with China was an act so severe that it would have warranted the death penalty in the past. This prompted special counsel Jack Smith to push harder for the gag order, arguing that Trump should not be allowed to try the case in the court of public opinion instead of the court of law, which could undermine the fairness and integrity of the proceedings.

Unsurprisingly, the Trump legal team vehemently opposed the request for a gag order, asserting that it would infringe upon the former president's civil rights. They published a 25-page brief condemning the DOJ's request, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and the necessity of transparency. According to the brief, "above all else, the First Amendment means that government has no power to restrict expression because of its message, its ideas, its subject matter, or its content."

Meanwhile, Milley expressed concern about the impact of Trump's rhetoric on his personal safety and that of his family. The former general stated that he has taken adequate safety precautions following the former president's comments. Milley also highlighted that Trump's language not only targeted him but also disrespected the military as a whole. He emphasized that the military, consisting of 2.1 million individuals, remains loyal to the Constitution and will never waver in their dedication, regardless of threats or humiliation.

Trump's remarks about Milley drew significant backlash, even from within the Republican Party. Former Vice President Mike Pence condemned Trump's language, stating that there is no justification for such disrespectful comments towards someone who served the nation and wore the uniform. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson echoed Pence's sentiment, describing Trump's suggestion of executing Milley as inexcusable and dangerous. Additionally, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie referred to Trump as an "absolute child" for his remarks during an interview with MSNBC.

As the DOJ intensifies its efforts to secure the gag order, the clash between Trump and Milley continues to spark debate and controversy, with implications not only for the ongoing legal proceedings but also for the reputation and unity of the military and the Republican Party.