The Special Counsel in charge of the criminal case against former President Donald Trump has filed a new motion in support of a proposed gag order, citing recent events in which Trump has attacked individuals involved in the case. The motion, filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith, argues that a limited gag order is necessary and appropriate to protect the due administration of justice in this case.
The proposed gag order would restrict the parties' statements under Local Criminal Rule 57.7(c), which allows for reasonable restrictions on extrajudicial statements in a criminal case. In the motion, Smith's team responds to opposition from Trump's attorneys, who argue that the proposed order is unnecessary and would impose sweeping restrictions.
According to the motion, recent events have underscored the urgency for a gag order, including Trump's now-infamous remarks about executing General Mark Milley, a key witness in the case. On September 22, Trump falsely claimed that Milley had committed treason and suggested that he should be executed. This statement, along with other attacks on the judge and individuals involved in the case, were cited as examples of the need for a gag order.
Furthermore, the motion also mentions a recent interview on NBC's Meet the Press, in which Trump made several statements that could potentially prejudice a fair trial. These statements include claims that the former Vice President and other witnesses had made false allegations against him.
The motion also argues that the defendant's attacks on the court and witnesses could subject them to threats and could potentially influence prospective jurors. It states that "government officials somehow have asked for his attacks because they 'have made politics, for all its discord and discourse, a large part of their lives.'"
In response to Trump's claims that certain witnesses are not intimidated by his statements, the motion states that "other witnesses see and may be affected by what the defendant does to those who are called to testify in this case."
The conclusion of the motion reiterates the need for a gag order and the importance of protecting the integrity of the judicial process. It states that the proposed order would provide "appropriate processes for protecting the jury pool in this case and the integrity of this proceeding."
In summary, the Special Counsel's motion underscores the urgency for a gag order in the criminal case against former President Donald Trump. It cites recent events, including Trump's attacks on individuals involved in the case, as evidence of the need for reasonable restrictions on extrajudicial statements. The proposed gag order would protect the integrity of the judicial process and ensure a fair trial.
