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Federal prosecutors have sought new restrictions on Donald Trump to prevent him from publicly attacking law enforcement officials. The request follows Trump’s claims that the Biden administration authorized the FBI to use lethal force during a search of his property—a claim which prosecutors have argued invites violence against FBI agents. However, U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon did not immediately rule on the motion, which was a proposed modification to Trump’s bail conditions in his pending trial for allegedly mishandling classified documents.
Federal Prosecutors Struggle to Build Case for Restrictions on Trump’s Statements
In Fort Pierce, Florida, federal prosecutors faced difficulties in presenting a persuasive case for new restrictions on Donald Trump. The proposed restrictions would prevent him from launching public attacks against law enforcement officials. Despite Special Counsel Jack Smith’s arguments highlighting Trump’s false and inflammatory claims that incite violence against FBI agents, no immediate ruling was made.
Trump Facing Trial for Mishandling Classified Documents
US District Judge Aileen M. Cannon has yet to rule on the motion to add a new condition to Trump’s bail relating to his pending trial for allegedly mishandling classified documents. The decision is likely to be postponed until after the scheduled debate between Trump and President Biden.
Trump’s Comments Accused of Inciting Danger to Law Enforcement
The hearing was conducted in response to Smith’s request to modify Trump’s bail to prevent statements that could potentially endanger law enforcement agents working on the documents case. Trump has previously inflamed tensions by suggesting on social media that FBI agents were authorized to use deadly force when searching his Florida home for classified documents in 2022, an act which was deemed as a serious threat to democracy.
Trump Subject to Gag Orders in Other Cases
While Trump is already subject to gag orders in two other criminal cases, this new request, although not technically a gag order, would function similarly. However, potential violations of his bail conditions could result in immediate jail time.
Trump’s Statements Deemed Dangerous by Prosecutors
Prosecutor David Harbach argued that Trump’s statements about FBI agents involved in the classified documents case are dangerous to the investigators who may testify against him. Trump is currently facing 40 counts of willfully retaining classified information after his presidency and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them.
Trump Lawyer Argues Against Prosecution’s Claims
Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, disputed the prosecution’s claims that Trump’s comments are dangerous. He argued it was unfair to blame the presidential candidate for the actions of a few potentially disturbed individuals. Blanche defended Trump’s comments as fair and protected political speech against President Biden and his Justice Department.
Judge Expresses Concern Over Special Counsel Appointments Cost
Judge Cannon showed interest in the cost of special counsel appointments to the government, describing it as a “significant” amount of money. For comparison, the most expensive special counsel investigation in recent years, conducted by Robert S. Mueller III into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election, cost about $32 million over several years. This is less than 0.1 percent of the Justice Department’s annual budget of over $35 billion.
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