Trump lawyers urge judge to narrow proposed rules on evidence sharing in election subversion case

Donald Trump’s legal team has requested a judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against him to narrow the scope of the proposed protective order from prosecutors. They argue that the order, which aims to prevent the public disclosure of evidence, is overly broad and would infringe on Trump’s First Amendment rights. Prosecutors believe the protective order is crucial due to Trump’s frequent use of social media, fearing that he might share sensitive case information online, potentially impacting witnesses. The defense asserts that the need to safeguard sensitive information does not warrant a blanket gag order on all government-produced documents.

Trump’s lawyers further claim that the prosecution’s citation of a social media post from Trump’s Truth Social platform, stating, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you,” to suggest a risk of sharing grand jury information is an exaggerated claim. They assert that the post was simply generalized political speech unrelated to the case. Trump’s legal team portrays the case as an attack on his right to free speech, accusing President Joe Biden of attempting to capitalize on it for political gain. They argue that the prosecution seeks to restrict First Amendment rights during an election season where Biden’s administration, party members, and media allies have propagated false allegations.

The prosecutors’ proposed order aims to limit disclosure of materials provided by the government to Trump’s legal team, witnesses, and authorized parties, specifically stricter control over sensitive materials, including grand jury witness testimony and materials from sealed search warrants. Trump denies any wrongdoing and views the cases against him as efforts to hinder his 2024 campaign. His defense team intends to argue that he relied on the advice of attorneys in 2020 and had the right to challenge the election results he believed were fraudulent.

In the latest criminal case against Trump, he pleaded not guilty to four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct Congress’ certification of Biden’s electoral victory. These charges could lead to a substantial prison sentence if convicted, with the most serious counts carrying up to 20 years in prison. This case is the first to hold him accountable for his actions during the tumultuous period between his election loss and the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. Additionally, Trump faces another prosecution for allegedly hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. In both cases, protective orders have been imposed to prevent public disclosure of evidence without prior approval.

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More about election subversion case

• Politico: Trump lawyers urge judge to narrow proposed rules on evidence sharing in election subversion case
• The Hill: Trump lawyers challenge proposed protective order in election subversion case
• CNN: Trump’s legal team objects to broad protective order in election conspiracy case
• CBS News: Prosecutors express concern over Trump’s social media use in election subversion case
• Reuters: Trump’s lawyers claim protective order is an attack on his First Amendment rights
• NBC News: Trump’s Truth Social post cited as evidence in protective order request
• BBC News: Trump pleads not guilty to felony counts in election subversion case
• ABC News: Trump faces multiple criminal cases in 2023, including election subversion and classified document charges
• USA Today: Trump’s legal team argues he had the right to challenge the 2020 election results