The Justice Department on Friday asked federal Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the criminal case against Donald Trump, to intervene after the former president posted on Truth Social saying he would get revenge against those who started what he considers to be a witch hunt and an attempt to disqualify him from running for office.
Prosecutors asked the judge, appointed at the time by Barack Obama, to issue a protective order in the case. This came one day after Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election and blocking a peaceful transition of power. They argue that the former president is in the habit of speaking publicly about the details of the various court proceedings he faces.
The order, which is different from the so-called "gag order," would limit the information Trump and his legal team could share publicly about the case.
Specifically, prosecutors referenced Donald Trump's post on Truth Social which says: "If you go after me, I'm coming after you!"
Silencing Trump
These kinds of orders are issued by a judge to prohibit lawyers, witnesses and defendants from making statements regarding the facts of a case. It is common in criminal cases and is intended to ensure a person receives a fair trial when statements are being made that may incite violence or are seen as a threat to prosecutors or witnesses.
Prosecutors said it is "particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him.”
