The Department of Justice filed a motion for a protective order in relation to former President Donald Trump‘s post on Truth Social on Friday. Trump was ordered not to discuss the 2020 election case with any witnesses outside his counsel on Thursday during his arraignment at a Washington, D.C., court.
Trump issued what could be considered a threatening comment on his Truth Social website: “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU.”
DONALD TRUMP INDICTED: JACK SMITH LOCKED EYES WITH FORMER PRESIDENT DURING HISTORIC ARRAIGNMENT
Donald Trump swore in court yesterday he would not attempt to influence or intimidate witnesses, retaliate against anyone, or in any other way attempt to obstruct the administration of justice.
“Are you prepared to comply?” the magistrate judge asked.
“Yes,” Trump replied. pic.twitter.com/UWxcz0nZ1d
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 4, 2023
Trump, who faced his third indictment this year on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, was given several conditions he must comply with from Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya on Thursday. The judge said Trump may be able to discuss the case through legal counsel or with his attorney present.
“And in recent days, regarding this case, the defendant has issued multiple posts either specifically or by implication including the following, which the defendant posted just hours ago,” the court filing read, citing Trump’s Truth Social post.
The court typically warns defendants to refrain from discussing details of the case with anyone outside of a legal defense team, meaning Trump must not talk about the details of the case with his inner circle, such as campaign team officials or any of his employees.
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“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,” the court filing reads.
On the same day in Alabama, Trump called special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading multiple investigations into him, a “lost soul” and a “deranged sick person.”
