Prosecutors Seek Gag Order Citing Trump's Public Attacks on Witnesses in Election Interference Case

Prosecutors cited recent comments by Trump about Mark Milley and others in arguing for a gag order in election interference case.
Filing highlights Trump's "campaign of prejudicial public statements" about witnesses like Raffensperger and Barr.
Filing refers to Trump's Truth Social posts about Milley and casting doubt on the fairness of the judge and prosecutors.
Prosecutors say Trump's statements may improperly influence potential jurors' views of witnesses.
Trump's attorneys argue prosecutors are trying to "silence" him and deny his First Amendment rights.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

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.

8/11/2023

Trump lawyers to face off with Jack Smith's prosecutors over discovery rules

Main Topic: Discussion of restrictions and protective order before trial on charges related to the 2020 election against Donald Trump. Key Points: 1. Lawyers for Donald Trump and federal prosecutors will appear in court to discuss restrictions on what information Trump can share about the case. 2. Prosecutors have requested a protective order to limit public sharing of information, citing Trump's statements on social media. 3. Special counsel Jack Smith's team proposed a trial date in January, emphasizing the public's interest in a speedy trial due to the significance of the charges against a former president.

9/6/2023

Clashes mount between Trump and his legal nemesis

Special counsel Jack Smith is widening his probe into election interference, focusing on how money raised off baseless claims of voter fraud was used to fund attempts to breach voting equipment in several states won by President Joe Biden, while also rebuking former President Donald Trump for making daily statements that threaten to prejudice the jury pool in Washington.

9/15/2023

Special Counsel Fights Trump Bid to Remove Judge in Election Probe

U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith opposes Donald Trump's request to remove the federal judge overseeing the criminal case against him for attempting to subvert the 2020 election results, stating there is "no valid basis" for her recusal.

9/15/2023

Special Counsel Seeks Gag Order on Trump's Statements About Witnesses and Jurors Ahead of 2024 Election Interference Trial

U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith is requesting limits on former President Donald Trump's public statements regarding his court case over the 2020 election, citing concerns about threats, harassment, and inflammatory comments.

10/10/2023

Smith Seeks Trump Declaration on Using 'Advice of Counsel' Defense in Special Counsel Probe

Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked a federal judge to compel Donald Trump to confirm whether he plans to rely on an advice-of-counsel defense during his criminal trial, stating that such a move would waive attorney-client privilege and potentially expose additional evidence to federal prosecutors.

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Posted 9/30/2023, 3:59:00 AM

Prosecutors Seek Gag Order Citing Trump's Public Attacks on Witnesses in Election Interference Case

Prosecutors cited recent comments by Trump about Mark Milley and others in arguing for a gag order in election interference case.
Filing highlights Trump's "campaign of prejudicial public statements" about witnesses like Raffensperger and Barr.
Filing refers to Trump's Truth Social posts about Milley and casting doubt on the fairness of the judge and prosecutors.
Prosecutors say Trump's statements may improperly influence potential jurors' views of witnesses.
Trump's attorneys argue prosecutors are trying to "silence" him and deny his First Amendment rights.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/10/2023

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

8/11/2023

Trump lawyers to face off with Jack Smith's prosecutors over discovery rules

9/6/2023

Clashes mount between Trump and his legal nemesis

9/15/2023

Special Counsel Fights Trump Bid to Remove Judge in Election Probe

9/15/2023

Special Counsel Seeks Gag Order on Trump's Statements About Witnesses and Jurors Ahead of 2024 Election Interference Trial

10/10/2023

Smith Seeks Trump Declaration on Using 'Advice of Counsel' Defense in Special Counsel Probe