Trump's lawyers have told a New York judge that they oppose media outlets broadcasting former President Donald Trump's arraignment on Tuesday, citing concerns about a "circus-like atmosphere" and unique security risks.
The lawyers argued in a letter to Acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan that allowing cameras and video recording during the arraignment would only heighten these serious concerns. They claimed that this could lead to an undesirable media spectacle, which may undermine the defendant's right to a fair trial.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has not opposed the request outright but indicated that it would be within the judge's discretion to exclude or restrict videography and photography during the arraignment in order to maintain order and ensure the safety of all parties involved. However, the prosecutors also noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
The district attorney's office cited a similar request made for Trump's 2021 arraignment in the tax fraud case against his organization as a precedent. In that instance, the judge had allowed only a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to proceedings commencing.
This comes as CNN is among the media outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment.
The lawyers argued in a letter to Acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan that allowing cameras and video recording during the arraignment would only heighten these serious concerns. They claimed that this could lead to an undesirable media spectacle, which may undermine the defendant's right to a fair trial.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has not opposed the request outright but indicated that it would be within the judge's discretion to exclude or restrict videography and photography during the arraignment in order to maintain order and ensure the safety of all parties involved. However, the prosecutors also noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
The district attorney's office cited a similar request made for Trump's 2021 arraignment in the tax fraud case against his organization as a precedent. In that instance, the judge had allowed only a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to proceedings commencing.
This comes as CNN is among the media outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment.
. It just seems like a way to stir up drama and sell more TV ratings, you know? I mean, it's not like the whole country isn't already glued to their screens when it comes to Donald Trump anyway 
. And what's with this "circus-like atmosphere" thing? Sounds like a load of hooey to me 
. Can't they just make up their minds and either let cameras roll or don't? It's not like the defendant is going to escape justice if there are some paparazzi in the courtroom 
.
but at the same time, can you imagine the drama that would ensue? I mean, Trump's team wants to keep it low-key, but we all know how that usually turns out 
. But at the same time, it's a public arraignment, and we should be able to watch it happen. I guess only time (and the judge) will tell what actually happens.
. So, either way, this should be good for ratings... I mean, for justice? 
, you got trump's lawyers saying it's gonna be some kinda circus and they dont want cameras, but really its just an excuse to keep the public in the dark about what's going down...and now the manhattan district attorney is playing it cool, saying maybe maybe we'll allow some vids but not all 
it feels fishy to me
. And what about the public's right to know? Shouldn't we get to see how this all goes down? I mean, come on, it's a high-profile case... surely there's some kind of compromise possible 
. Can't we find a way to balance fairness for Trump with transparency and accountability for everyone involved? 
The DA's office seems reasonable by saying it's up to the judge's discretion, which makes sense 
... who knows! 
. Can't Trump just handle his own arraignment like a normal person? 
... I guess that's just part of being a public figure now.
And who knows, maybe having cameras there would even bring some accountability to the proceedings... a girl can dream, right? 
. shouldn't they just let it play out naturally? all this circus-like atmosphere stuff sounds like BS to me, sounds like they're just trying to cover up something 
. and what's with the media outlets wanting to be there in person anyway? can't they just watch on TV like everyone else?
but on a serious note, it's kinda expected considering his history of drama and controversy why else would ppl want to watch? 
. What if the media just gets too crazy and starts live-streaming everything in the courtroom? That would definitely disrupt the proceedings and potentially harm Trump's chances of getting a fair trial 
. They could've just told the judge that they wanted camera access, but instead they're saying it depends on what the court decides 
. Meanwhile, the DA's office is all like "let's keep it classy" but not gonna stand in the way if the judge decides to let cameras roll 
! It's all just drama, drama, drama... can't we just have a fair trial without the spotlight shining bright? 
. Either way, I hope the judge makes a decision that's fair and reasonable for everyone involved 
.
) but seriously though, security risks and stuff...i guess that's why they're trying to restrict it. can't wait to see how it all goes down