The Special Counsel requests the judge to prevent Trump from 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.
In a filing to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkin on Friday, Smith stated that the defendant has continuously and extensively spread public statements that criticize the residents of the District of Columbia, the court, prosecutors, and potential witnesses. Smith also mentioned that the defendant is aware that his public attacks on individuals and institutions encourage others to threaten and harass those he targets.
Trump swiftly replied to the court’s request within just an hour, echoing the sentiments expressed by Smith in his 19-page submission. “Am I not permitted to provide a response? They consistently leak, spread falsehoods, and initiate lawsuits, yet they refuse to grant me the opportunity to express myself? How else can I convey that Jack Smith is mentally unstable or that Crooked Joe lacks competence?” Trump expressed 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 submitted a post from August 5th where Trump criticized former Vice President Mike Pence. Pence had refused to comply with Trump’s request to declare him the victor of the 2020 election. Trump expressed his belief that Pence was delusional and attempting to portray himself as strong.
Smith gave multiple instances of individuals who have been subjected to harassment and threats by Trump supporters. However, their names were redacted in the document. The information provided in the document implies 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 dismissed by Trump after stating that there was no substantial fraud.
“I am unable to reword the text.”
Smith also referenced a statement made by Trump on August 4th, following his arraignment in federal court. In the statement, Trump 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 provided instances of Trump’s criticisms directed at Chutkin and the special counsel’s office, which also included Smith himself.
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 the defendant’s offensive and provocative messages.
“I am unable to reword this text.”
“I cannot reword”
