The Justice Department recently submitted a fresh motion for a protective order over the Jan. 6 case's discovery evidence against former President Donald Trump, prompting Judge Tanya Chutkan to request a response from Trump's attorneys. Trump's team faces a deadline of 5 p.m. Monday. Prosecutors urged Judge Chutkan to issue a protective order in response to a threatening message Trump posted Friday that alludes to revenge against those pursuing legal action against him. Prosecutors say such posts amount to witness intimidation.
The post came one day after the former president pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in the election interference case.
NBC News' Zoë Richards has more on the latest court filing by the special counsel's office:
“All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public,” they wrote. “Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys and others associated with legal matters pending against him.”
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Trump's use of details or grand jury transcripts obtained in discovery “could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case,” the prosecutors wrote.
In a statement early Saturday, a Trump spokesperson said, “The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech,” and that it “was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.”
Trump received an unusual warning at Thursday's arraignment from the judge:
“Finally, sir, I want to remind you that it is a crime to try to influence a juror, or to threaten or attempt to bribe a witness or any other person who may have information about your case, or to retaliate against anyone for providing information about your case to the prosecution, or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice,” she said.
The special counsel's request for a protective order can be read in its entirety here:
Motion for Order of Protect… by Mediaite
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Prosecutors say President Trumps posts amount to witness intimidation. However, their ordering the arrest of Hunter Bidens business partner Devin Archer two days before his testimony on Capitol Hill is not. Humm!
or the DOJ searching a dem leaning reporters testimony in front of a House Committee hearing.
so many times could be listed how the Biden admin has attempted to intimidate people.
Of course, she’s not a real judge, as she was appointed by Bathhouse Barry Obama! Trump cannot possibly get a fair trial with these people! A jury of his peers in Washington DC? Yeah, right!
The judge should take notice that the actions of the “Justice system” are more intimidating and threatening than anything else. He should also protect Mr. Trump and his followers.
Every dog has his day!