Prosecutor’s office seeks gag order after threats from Trump
Special prosecutor Smith says Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric is threatening to undermine upcoming election fraud trial
WASHINGTON – Special prosecutor Jack Smith is requesting a gag order on former President Donald Trump.
He argues that his inflammatory rhetoric threatens to undermine the upcoming election fraud trial.
Smith cites a series of Trump’s remarks after his indictment, including a social media post that read: “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!”
Trump has also called the judge in the case a “fraud” and his prosecutors a “bunch of thugs.”
Smith argues that Trump’s language has led to real threats against the court and prosecutors.
He also says Trump’s repeated attacks on potential witnesses could prejudice jurors and influence testimony.
Trump is accused of trying to distort the outcome of the 2020 U.S. election and disenfranchise American voters with his false claims that he won the election.
He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go on trial March 4, 2024.
Smith asked the judge to prohibit Trump from making disparaging, inflammatory or intimidating remarks about anyone involved or potentially involved in the case, and from making any statements at all about potential witnesses.