DOJ Seeks Gag Order Against Trump to Prevent Witness Intimidation in Election Meddling Trial

DOJ seeks gag order to prevent Trump from intimidating witnesses in election meddling trial
Judge warned Trump in August she won't tolerate witness intimidation
Proposed order would bar statements on witness identity, testimony, credibility
DOJ alleges Trump targeted individuals with inflammatory statements who were then harassed
Judge taking measures to safeguard trial integrity, prevent witness intimidation and prejudice of jurors

rollingstone.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/7/2023

Trump lawyers seek to narrow special counsel's proposed protective order in election case

Main Topic: Donald Trump's lawyers request a narrowed protective order in the special counsel's 2020 election probe. Key Points: 1. Trump's lawyers argue that the proposed protective order is "overbroad" and request a revised order to shield only genuinely sensitive materials. 2. Prosecutors cite Trump's social media posts as a reason to prohibit him from publicly disclosing certain evidence. 3. Trump criticizes the special counsel and calls for the recusal of Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case.

8/10/2023

Will a D.C. judge try to gag Donald Trump?

Main Topic: The potential limits on what Donald Trump and his lawyers can say to criticize the federal election fraud case against him, impugn prosecutors, or heap scorn on the judge. Key Points: 1. The local rules governing federal court in Washington, D.C., are stringent and prohibit lawyers from making public statements about witnesses, guilt or innocence, or the merits of the case. 2. The rules also allow a judge to issue a special order restricting what lawyers and the defendant can say in public in widely publicized or sensational criminal cases. 3. Imposing restrictions on Trump's speech presents a difficult dilemma for Judge Tanya Chutkan, as she must balance Trump's interest as a presidential candidate and the public's interest in hearing his perspective. The red line is likely to be statements that could be perceived as witness tampering or threats.

9/15/2023

Justice Department Seeks Order to Limit Trump's Public Comments About Election Interference Case

Prosecutors in the federal election interference case against Donald Trump are requesting a court order to limit his public statements in order to protect the integrity of the trial and prevent him from undermining confidence in the criminal justice system and prejudicing the jury pool.

9/16/2023

Wallace Predicts 'Something Really Bad' After Trump Gag Order Request Amid Threats

After the special counsel requested a gag order on Donald Trump, MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace warned that serious consequences may occur, expressing concern over the former president's ability to incite violence and calling for those who enable and ignore it to be held accountable.

9/17/2023

Legal Cases Involving Trump Advance Across Multiple States

Prosecutors in Washington are requesting a limited gag order on Donald Trump to restrict his comments about the case, citing concerns that his remarks could prejudic potential jurors or intimidate witnesses, while hearings for defendants in Georgia and New York are also scheduled.

9/29/2023

Judge Sets Hearing on Gag Order Request in Trump Election Case

A judge will hear arguments next month on a request for a limited gag order in the case charging former President Donald Trump with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

9/30/2023

Prosecutors Push for Gag Order Against Trump After His 'Death' Comment About Gen. Milley

The Department of Justice is seeking a gag order on former President Donald Trump due to concerns that his public comments about the death penalty and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley could impact legal proceedings.

9/30/2023

Smith Seeks Gag Order on Trump Ahead of Jan. 6 Trial, Citing His Attacks on Gen. Milley

Special counsel Jack Smith's office seeks a gag order on former President Trump after he made a social media post suggesting that General Mark Milley should be executed for treason.

10/3/2023

Judge Issues Gag Order Against Trump After Attacks on Judge's Aide

The judge overseeing Donald Trump's civil fraud trial has issued a gag order, prohibiting Trump from making comments about court staff, after he posted a social media attack on the judge's principal law clerk.

10/4/2023

Trump Slapped with Rare Gag Order After Attacking Judge's Clerk, Likely to Violate It Says Former Acting Solicitor General

Former President Donald Trump managed to obtain a rare gag order in his civil fraud trial, but according to former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal, he is likely to violate it and face serious sanctions as he tends to attack institutions.