The Special Counsel has requested the judge to compel Trump to cease discussing the case regarding the attempted coup on January 6th.
WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith is asking the federal judge presiding over Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 case to stop the former president from making inflammatory statements that he said are endangering witnesses and will make finding a fair jury difficult.
“I cannot reword”
Shortly after the court posted the request, Trump promptly replied with a statement resembling those mentioned by Smith in his 19-page submission. “Am I not permitted to provide a response? They constantly leak, spread falsehoods, and file lawsuits, yet they restrict my ability to express myself? How else can I convey that Jack Smith is mentally unstable or that Joe is incapable?” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In his filing, Smith cited Trump’s Aug. 23 post after his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was charged in a separate Georgia case: “THE ELECTION WAS RIGGED & STOLLEN. HOW SAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. MAGA!”
In the filing, he also included a post from Aug. 5 where Trump criticized former Vice President Mike Pence for not complying with his request to declare him the winner of the 2020 election. Trump expressed that Pence is delusional and now attempting to portray himself as a tough individual.
Smith presented multiple instances of individuals who have been subjected to harassment and threats by supporters of Trump. However, the names of these witnesses were redacted in the document. The information provided in the document indicates that Smith is referring to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, both of whom are Atlanta elections workers falsely accused of fraud by Trump, as well as Chris Krebs, the former DHS official responsible for election security, who was terminated by Trump after stating that there was no substantial fraud.
“The accused persists in targeting individuals with these assaults due to his awareness that such actions stir up the public and rally his followers,” Smith stated. “As he openly admitted during a televised town hall meeting on May 10, 2023, his supporters pay unparalleled attention to his words.”
Smith also referenced Trump’s statement on August 4th, following his appearance in federal court, in which he stated: “If you pursue action against me, I will retaliate.”
“And he has followed through with his promise. Ever since being charged in this matter, the accused has consistently shared derogatory and provocative public messages on Truth Social.”
Smith also presented instances of Trump’s assaults on Chutkin and the special counsel’s office, which included Smith as well.
Smith wrote that individuals participating in the criminal justice system, such as court personnel, prosecutors, witnesses, and potential jurors, may feel apprehensive about becoming the defendant’s next victims after reading or hearing their offensive and provocative messages.
“I am unable to reword this text.”
“I cannot reword”
