A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump can publicly share non-sensitive evidence to be used in his trial.
The decision went against the will of prosecutors, who believe the information may intimidate witnesses.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said the government did not show why all evidence should be under a “protective order.”
Trump’s lawyers argued that the broad scope of the protective order violated free speech rights.
“This kind of blanket order is extraordinary,” Trump’s lawyer John Lauro said. “We have to face the fact we are in uncharted waters.”
Chutkan also rejected an argument from Trump’s lawyers that the transcripts of witness interviews are sensitive and cannot be shared.
“He is a criminal defendant. He is going to have restrictions like every single other defendant. This case is proceeding in the normal order,” the judge said.
She stated, “The fact the defendant is engaged in a political campaign is not going to allow him any greater or lesser latitude than any defendant in a criminal case.”
Reporting from Newsmax:
The government's request for a protective order cited a threatening message Trump posted last week on social media: "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU." "If the defendant were to begin issuing public posts using details — or, for example, grand jury transcripts — obtained in discovery here, it could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case," prosecutors wrote in their motion.
