Prosecutors from the Department of Justice are seeking to prevent former President Trump from revealing any evidence connected to his federal indictment to the media.
DOJ prosecutors filed the motion with a federal judge, claiming that some of the evidence concerned ongoing investigations.
They just don't want him speaking in his own defense.
Biden’s DOJ demands judge issue gag order on Trump in seized documents casehttps://t.co/xQNrVKXsFs
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) June 17, 2023
“The Discovery Materials, along with any information derived therefrom, shall not be disclosed to the public or the news media, or disseminated on any news or social media platform, without prior notice to and consent of the United States or approval of the Court,” DOJ attorneys wrote.
Prosecutors argued that Trump could jeopardize ongoing investigations if he shared evidence relating to his case with the media. The DOJ’s argument suggests more individuals might still face charges in the case.
According to The Hill, the order — which will be reviewed by Judge Bruce Reinhart, would allow Trump to review the 31 documents the DOJ is using to charge him only if in the presence of his lawyers.
“Defendants shall only have access to Discovery Materials under the direct supervision of Defense Counsel or a member of Defense Counsel’s staff. Defendants shall not retain copies of Discovery Material. Defendants may take notes regarding Discovery Materials, but such notes shall be stored securely by Defense Counsel,” the DOJ wrote.
Of course they want a gag order on Trump.
That way the DOJ can leak everything they want the public to see so, even if Trump beats the charges, he'll be tried in the court of public opinion.
— They Call Me Ralph (@NewRandomGeek) June 17, 2023
In an interview with Law&Crime, former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner said the proposed gag order suggests more charges might still be filed against Trump. Epner added Trump’s aide Walt Nauta, who’s also charged in the case, might face more charges along with others.
Epner, currently a partner at Rottenberg Lipman Rich PC, suggested that Trump might find it difficult to follow the protective order.
“This is the protective order that Trump is going to find extraordinarily difficult to comply with,” Epner said, adding that Trump is “not your standard defendant.”
Epner told Law&Crime that Trump’s violation of the order would put Judge Aileen Cannon to the test. Cannon, a Trump appointee, was supposed to review the DOJ’s request before it was sent to Reinhart.
“We will see if Judge Cannon applies the same standards to Donald Trump that would apply to any other defendant, because I cannot imagine him (Trump) adhering to this order,” Epner said.
