After his most recent court date, ex-US President Trump threatened witnesses, judges and lawyers. Special Counsel Smith wants to prevent Trump from exploiting sensitive information – and therefore limit the handling of evidence.
Trump’s lawyer John Lauro saw the application by special counsel Jack Smith as an attack on press freedom: Trump should be prevented from disclosing sensitive information to the public during his trial – in order to put pressure on witnesses, for example to put.
Lauro attacked the corresponding protective order on the ABC News television station: “The Biden government is trying to withhold exculpatory and helpful information and evidence from the press. That’s shocking!”
“If you follow me, I will follow you”
The reason for applying for the protection order was a statement Trump made after his court date in Washington on the online platform “Truth Social”, which he co-founded: “If you follow me, then I will follow you.” According to special counsel Jack Smith, this can be interpreted as a threat aimed at witnesses, judges and lawyers involved.
Lauro explained his defense strategy for the trial on CNN: “Trump must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he had criminal intentions when he protested against the results of the 2020 presidential election.”
According to the lawyer, Trump only used his freedom of speech under the First Amendment and expressed his opinion – for example when he asked his Vice President Mike Pence to interrupt the confirmation of the election results.
Pence definitely wants to testify
He continued to use the charges against his former boss in the primary campaign. Pence, who wants to become a Republican presidential candidate himself for the next election, has clearly criticized Trump since the indictment was published. He presents himself as the person who stood up to Trump and averted disaster.
On CBS News, Pence said he would testify against Trump if the trial came. “I don’t think anyone who puts themselves above the Constitution should ever, ever again, be president.”
Trump calls for change of place of jurisdiction
In the polls, however, Trump is still well ahead. Meanwhile, the ex-president continued his protest march on the “Truth Social” platform: he would apply to the court for the judge to be dismissed in the proceedings for anti-democratic conspiracy against him. With Tanya Chutkan he could “under no circumstances get a fair trial,” Trump wrote.
He will also apply for a change of jurisdiction. The capital, Washington, is a city with a strong leaning towards Democrats and has a predominantly black population. However, legal experts gave Trump’s demand little chance.