After hearing arguments in a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. on Monday, three judges are considering whether or not to issue a gag order against former President Donald Trump in an alleged federal election tampering case.

A trial judge's order prohibiting Trump from making inflammatory comments against prosecutors, possible witnesses, and court staff was challenged. Throughout the two and a half hours of arguments, and the appeals court judges sounded skeptical of both sides of the issue, as Fox News reported.

A lawyer from Special Counsel Jack Smith's office, Cecil VanDevender, said that a gag order is necessary to protect the safety of anyone involved in the case where Trump is accused of plotting to overthrow the 2020 election.

John Sauer, a lawyer for Trump, has asked the court to reverse that decision. Sauer argued that the gag order infringes upon Trump's right to free speech during his argument on the issue.

The court did not issue a ruling on Monday, but the outcome of the arguments will set limitations for what Trump will be allowed say as the trial date approaches.

This will apply to his capacity both as a criminal defendant and as the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Former President Barack Obama appointed Judges Cornelia Pillard and Patricia Millett, and President Joe Biden nominated Judge Brad Garcia, who has been on the bench since January of this year.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan initially issued the partial gag order on October 17, prohibiting Trump from saying anything that would personally and directly harm Smith, his staff, witnesses, and court personnel.

After the earlier appeal from the former president was put on hold, Chutkan upheld the order on October 29.

Chutkan has stated that Trump is free to continue claiming innocence and that the lawsuit is politically motivated notwithstanding the ruling, and Trump has continued to make broad complaints about the issue.

However, Chutkan emphasized that Trump must refrain from making any statements that could potentially endanger the safety or well-being of those involved in the case.

Despite this restriction, Trump has persistently voiced his grievances and criticized the lawsuit as a mere political ploy.

Trump, who has maintained his denial of any misconduct , has contended that the case is orchestrated to thwart his bid to win the presidency in 2024.

Additionally, he has vehemently criticized all parties involved in the case, including Smith, whom he frequently labels "deranged."