UPDATE: Prosecutors Seek Protective Order as Trump’s Social Media Post Raises Concerns of Revenge Promise
The Justice Department has requested a protective order from U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan in the criminal case against
Nik Richie
The Justice Department has requested a protective order from U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan in the criminal case against former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors raised concerns after Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, appearing to promise revenge on those who go after him.
The protective order, different from a “gag order,” aims to limit what sensitive information Trump and his legal team can share publicly about the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. Prosecutors emphasized the need for this measure, citing Trump’s past public statements on social media targeting witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others involved in legal matters against him.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you” in all capital letters. Prosecutors worry that if Trump were to disclose details from grand jury transcripts or other sensitive information provided by the Justice Department, it could have a harmful impact on witnesses and hinder the fair administration of justice in the case.
Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct Congress’ certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. His spokesperson defended the social media post as “the definition of political speech,” attributing it to a response against “dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.”