To hold comments and insults donald trump It seemed like an almost impossible task until now, but that’s exactly what it is. Judge Tanya Chutkanchaired by federal hearing against the former president for his efforts Overturning the legal results of the 2020 presidential election and its role Attack on the Capitol. Judge imposed this Monday in Washington a limited speech order to Trump, prohibited from publicly attacking potential witnesses, prosecutors and court staff if. What is not detailed and is important is What will happen if you don’t comply?.
Chutkan’s decision is particularly significant and complex given that Trump is not only a former president who has been indicted, but he is also in office. 2024 candidate He is the Republican favorite to win the nomination. Both he and his lawyers assure that any restrictions on his words constitute an insult. Insult to freedom of expression and condemned any attempt at political interference.nozzleTrump during his campaign and that it was a “censorship order.
The judge, who made his decision after the hearing that lasted approximately two hours, stated that his priority in that session was protect witnesses and other actors And ensure process integrityThe trial is scheduled to begin on March 4, the eve of “Super Tuesday” when primaries will be held in 15 states. “This essay will not be submitted to the selection process“, the judge said at one point during the hearing.
Request and decision
Special prosecutor Jack Smith said in early September, Comments that are “insulting, provocative or intimidating” What can Trump say? After an unsuccessful attempt by the former president’s legal team to stop that petition and get Chutkan dismissed, the prosecution team filed a second, even more detailed motion late last month, which revealed some of the comments that Trump had moved that petition. Against persons attending the hearing.
For example, a message he posted on his social network was quoted: General Mark MilleyHe served as Chief of General Staff during his term of office. would be executedor criticism Mike Pence The person who was his vice president and who refused to participate in the conspiracy aimed at preventing the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory, which he accused. go to the dark side”. This also included attacks on what belonged to him. Attorney General Bill Barror Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican (he pushed to overturn the results in that state; this is the subject of another case in which he is charged).
According to Judge Chutkan’s decision this Monday, Trump May continue to attack Joe Biden Administration and Justice Department He expressed his opinion that there was a political motivation behind the accusation. What he cannot do is attack special prosecutor Smith, his team or family, court personnel or witnesses. In the past, Trump has called Smith “unhinged” and branded his team of prosecutors a “gang of criminals.”
Chutkan did not say anything about the attacks cited to him. He is whom Trump has denigrated in the past as a “radical planted by (Barack) Obama” and a “con artist.” One of the arguments the prosecution put forward in its request for a restraining order was precisely arrest and detention. Indictment of a Texas womanwho threatened him with death judgewhy black. “If Trump isn’t elected in 2024 we will kill you” the woman said in a message.
Trump too We can keep attacking Pencewhy one of his rivals for the nomination Republican, but according to Chutkan’s orders, these attacks They cannot address Pence’s role in the events related to the case.
App questions
what is the judge not detailed is What will Trump do if he doesn’t comply with the order?stipulates that it will only consider consequences if such non-compliance occurs. If it happens, it will remain in the air fine or if it could imprisoneda possibility that would represent a real political bombshell.
Trump is already exposed Another new order limiting what he can say in the civil case he faces in New YorkAn even more specific restriction was placed on him after he publicly criticized a court employee.