Trump's lawyers push back against media request to broadcast former President Donald Trump's arraignment, citing potential security concerns and a desire to prevent a "circus-like atmosphere" in the courtroom.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that allowing cameras into the courtroom would heighten security concerns, including those related to Secret Service protection. They also claimed that this would undermine President Trump's presumption of innocence and create an unfair environment for the defendant.
The lawyers pointed to the need for extraordinary security measures due to the high-profile nature of the case and the potential risks associated with a live broadcast. Todd Blanche, one of the attorneys, recently joined the former president's legal team, adding weight to the opposition from Trump's camp.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office acknowledged the request but stated that it would defer to Judge Merchant to decide on how best to manage the courtroom. The DA's office noted that excluding or restricting video coverage might be a reasonable exercise of the court's discretion, considering concerns about prejudice, maintaining order, and ensuring safety.
However, they also pointed out that there does not appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law. The prosecutors highlighted the fact that similar requests were made in previous cases, including Trump Organization's 2021 tax fraud arraignment, where a limited number of still photographs were allowed before proceedings commenced.
As CNN is one of the media outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment, this development could impact the broadcast plans. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how Judge Merchant will rule on these competing interests and what implications this decision may have for Trump's case.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that allowing cameras into the courtroom would heighten security concerns, including those related to Secret Service protection. They also claimed that this would undermine President Trump's presumption of innocence and create an unfair environment for the defendant.
The lawyers pointed to the need for extraordinary security measures due to the high-profile nature of the case and the potential risks associated with a live broadcast. Todd Blanche, one of the attorneys, recently joined the former president's legal team, adding weight to the opposition from Trump's camp.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office acknowledged the request but stated that it would defer to Judge Merchant to decide on how best to manage the courtroom. The DA's office noted that excluding or restricting video coverage might be a reasonable exercise of the court's discretion, considering concerns about prejudice, maintaining order, and ensuring safety.
However, they also pointed out that there does not appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law. The prosecutors highlighted the fact that similar requests were made in previous cases, including Trump Organization's 2021 tax fraud arraignment, where a limited number of still photographs were allowed before proceedings commenced.
As CNN is one of the media outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment, this development could impact the broadcast plans. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how Judge Merchant will rule on these competing interests and what implications this decision may have for Trump's case.
I'm kinda surprised they didn't just let cameras roll already, but I guess that would've been too easy for CNN. Anyway, it's like they're trying to create this circus-like atmosphere in court, which is pretty rich coming from someone who's known for being a bit of a showman himself. 
I gotta say, this whole thing is getting pretty dramatic 
. Trump's team is being super protective of their client, but the DA's office is pushing back too 
. It's all about security and fairness – can't we just get some footage of the guy walking into court? 
It's been years since he left office, surely it's time for a little transparency? The fact that they're citing "circus-like atmosphere" makes me LOL 
, like, come on Trump! You've been in politics forever, what's your favorite circus act? 
they can just stream it online or something... seems like a big production to me 
plus, think about all the drama that'd go down if trump gets taken away 
and then they're gonna let everyone see it on tv? no thanks 
gotta keep the security tight for trump's sake 
, and honestly who knows what's really going on here? It seems like they just want to keep things under wraps 
, which could be super unfair to the public 
The Secret Service is worried about security concerns but come on, it's not like Trump is going to break free from his handcuffs and make a run for it 
. Can't wait to see how this drama unfolds! The DA's office is being super reasonable as usual, while Trump's team just wants to keep the spectacle under wraps... yeah right 
It feels like they're trying to create this image that he's still above the law or something. And honestly, its kinda unfair to the public who wants to watch this unfold. I mean, we've seen plenty of other high-profile cases go down without a hitch on live TV. So, I hope Judge Merchant sees things from our perspective and lets us catch some of the drama 
. It's public record stuff, and if the DA wants to make sure everything is fair and above board, just let people watch or broadcast from outside 
. The Secret Service thing is just cop-out, they're worried about Trump's image being tarnished by some live footage 
. And yeah, a "circus-like atmosphere" in the courtroom? That's on Trump's team for even suggesting that 
It's gonna be a circus regardless if cameras are in or out 
. what do you think, should cameras be allowed or not?
its just a trial, who cares if trump looks all smug in front of the whole world lol? but seriously, whats with the "circus-like atmosphere" concern? isnt that what we pay our lawyers for? lol and btw, trump thinks he's still above the law or something? newsflash, dude: the courts are where you gotta play by the rules 
It's all so frustrating when you're trying to figure out what's really going on behind closed doors 
. Anyway, I'm definitely gonna be keeping an eye on this one and seeing how it all plays out 
.