The Justice Department has filed a request with the federal judge overseeing the criminal case against former President Donald Trump to intervene after he made a post online that seemed to threaten retaliation against his accusers. In their filing on Friday, prosecutors asked U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to issue a protective order regarding the evidence in the case. This order, which differs from a “gag order,” would restrict what information Trump and his legal team are allowed to publicly share about the case being pursued by special counsel Jack Smith.
Responding to the government’s request, Judge Chutkan gave Trump’s legal team a deadline until Monday to respond. However, Trump’s legal team requested an extension to Thursday and a hearing on the matter, claiming they needed more time for discussion and to delay the case. Judge Chutkan denied this extension request, reiterating that Trump must comply with Monday’s deadline.
Protective orders are commonly used in criminal cases, but prosecutors argue that it is particularly crucial in this instance because Trump has previously made social media posts about individuals associated with the legal proceedings. Prosecutors specifically referred to a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform where he stated, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!” They expressed concern that if Trump were to disclose grand jury transcripts or other evidence provided by the Justice Department, it could have a negative impact on witnesses and impede the fair administration of justice in the case.
The protective order proposed by the prosecutors aims to prevent Trump and his lawyers from revealing government-provided materials to anyone outside of his legal team, potential witnesses, their attorneys, or individuals approved by the court. The order would include stricter provisions for handling sensitive materials, such as grand jury witness testimony and materials obtained through sealed search warrants.
In response to these developments, a spokesperson for Trump argued that his post constitutes political speech and was a response to dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs. Judge Chutkan, known for her firm handling of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack prompted by Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud, is presiding over the case.
The recently unsealed indictment accuses Trump of conspiring with allies to spread false information and orchestrate schemes to overturn his election loss to Joe Biden. It outlines how Trump repeatedly lied about the election results, pressured Mike Pence and state election officials, and obstructed the certification of Biden’s victory. Trump faces charges of defrauding the U.S., obstructing Congress, and other related charges. This is the third criminal case against Trump this year, but the first one specifically focusing on his attempts to retain power during the period between the election and the Capitol attack.
Additionally, Jack Smith has charged Trump in a separate case in Florida federal court for illegally retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. This case also involves a protective order preventing Trump and his legal team from publicly disclosing evidence without prior approval. Prosecutors are seeking another protective order with further guidelines on handling classified evidence.
In March, Trump is set to face trial in New York for alleged “hush-money” payments during the 2016 campaign, followed by the trial in May for the classified documents case. After his recent court appearance, Trump characterized the prosecution as persecution aimed at harming his 2024 presidential campaign. His legal team portrays it as an attack on his right to free speech and his right to contest the election.
Prosecutors have expressed their intention to pursue a speedy trial in the election case, and Judge Chutkan has instructed them to propose a trial date by Thursday. The first court hearing before Chutkan is scheduled for August 28th.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
