Special Counsel Asks Court to Restrict Trump’s Public Discussion in Election Interference Trial
In a motion filed on Friday, special counsel Jack Smith requested that former President Donald Trump be barred from publicly discussing potential witnesses, their credibility, or the evidence in his federal election interference trial. The motion referenced several of Trump’s aggressive social media posts, including those targeting likely witnesses such as former Vice President Mike Pence, the presiding judge, and the U.S. attorneys prosecuting him. Prosecutors argued that Trump’s public attacks inspire threats and harassment against his targets.
The motion also highlighted the real-world consequences of Trump’s posts, citing an individual who was arrested for making racist death threats to the court shortly after Trump’s indictment. The special counsel urged U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to hold Trump to the same standards as his lawyers.
Restricting Trump’s Statements and Potential Impact
If the court were to issue the requested order, Trump would be prohibited from making public statements about prospective witnesses’ identity, testimony, credibility, or the merits of the case and evidence. However, abiding by such an order could significantly limit what Trump says on his social media platform and at campaign rallies where he frequently criticizes Smith, Chutkan, and likely witnesses.
Trump’s Trial Date and Campaign Response
Trump’s trial is scheduled to begin on March 4, 2024, just before Super Tuesday primary contests. His presidential campaign swiftly responded to the motion, accusing prosecutors of trying to deprive him of his First Amendment rights and claiming it was election interference.
Additional Requests by Prosecutors
In addition to the gag order, prosecutors also asked the court to require preapproval for any polling of potential jurors to prevent biased influence. The four-count indictment against Trump includes charges of conspiring to defraud the United States, obstructing an official proceeding, and violating a law that criminalizes conspiring to deprive others of constitutionally protected rights.
Hot Take: Special Counsel Requests Gag Order on Trump’s Public Discussion in Election Interference Trial
Special counsel Jack Smith has sought a court order to restrict former President Donald Trump from publicly discussing potential witnesses, evidence, and the merits of his federal election interference trial. Prosecutors argue that Trump’s public attacks lead to threats and harassment against his targets. The requested order would prohibit Trump from making statements about witness identity, testimony, credibility, and case evidence. If issued, this order could have significant implications for Trump’s social media presence and campaign rallies. Trump’s trial is set to begin on March 4, 2024. His campaign accused prosecutors of interfering with his First Amendment rights and labeled it as election interference.
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