Jack Smith, Special Counsel, speaks at the Department of Justice in Washington, on August 1, 2023 about an indictment of Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors are seeking an injunction that would prevent Trump from making “intimidating and inflammatory” remarks about witnesses, lawyers, and the judge.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
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Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Special counsel Jack Smith talks about the indictment of Donald Trump at a Department of Justice in Washington, August 1, 2023. Federal prosecutors are seeking an injunction that would prevent Trump from making “intimidating and inflammatory” remarks about witnesses, lawyers, and the judge. They’re charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election of 2020.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors in the case charging Donald Trump with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election are seeking an order that would restrict the former president from “inflammatory” and “intimidating” comments about witnesses, lawyers and the judge.
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team said in a motion filed Friday that such a “narrow, well-defined” order was necessary to preserve the integrity of the case and to avoid prejudicing potential jurors.
“Since the grand jury returned an indictment in this case, the defendant has repeatedly and widely disseminated public statements attacking the citizens of the District of Columbia, the Court, prosecutors, and prospective witnesses,” prosecutors wrote. The defendant’s statements threaten to undermine the integrity and prejudice of the jury pool. The prosecutors cited a statement Trump made on his Truth Social platform a few days after his indictment, where he wrote in capital letters: “If you go against me, I will come after you.” On social media, he has repeatedly claimed that the case is “rigged,” and that he will not receive a fair hearing. This is blatant interference in the election because President Trump is the clear leader in this race. The American people – the voters – will see through this unconstitutional charade, and send President Trump back into the White House,” said the spokesperson. Chutkan granted prosecutors permission on Friday to publish a redacted version of the motion, which would have blacked-out the names and identifying details of those who claim they were harassed by Trump’s attacks. Chutkan’s previous comments were cited by defense lawyers as a reason to doubt her fairness. However, prosecutors said that she had no legitimate basis to recuse herself.