Donald Trump's lawyers are fighting against plans to broadcast his arraignment live on television, citing concerns about security and the potential for a "circus-like atmosphere". The request was made by media outlets, including CNN, in response to the former president being charged with multiple crimes.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that allowing video or photography of the proceedings would only heighten the serious security concerns surrounding the case. They also claimed that it would create an unfair and prejudicial environment for the defendant.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the request, stating that they are deferring to the judge's discretion on how to manage the courtroom. However, a lawyer representing the office noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
It's worth noting that a similar request was made for the 2021 arraignment of Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg in connection with tax fraud charges. In that case, Judge Juan Merchant allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
The issue is set to come up again on Tuesday when Trump's arraignment is scheduled to take place at New York Supreme Court.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that allowing video or photography of the proceedings would only heighten the serious security concerns surrounding the case. They also claimed that it would create an unfair and prejudicial environment for the defendant.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the request, stating that they are deferring to the judge's discretion on how to manage the courtroom. However, a lawyer representing the office noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
It's worth noting that a similar request was made for the 2021 arraignment of Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg in connection with tax fraud charges. In that case, Judge Juan Merchant allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
The issue is set to come up again on Tuesday when Trump's arraignment is scheduled to take place at New York Supreme Court.
I mean, we're paying taxes with our hard-earned cash and this guy gets to decide how much transparency there should be about his arraignment? It's all very secretive and it's making me super suspicious. Like, what's he got to hide? 
I'm sure it would be fine. But noooo, Trump's lawyers are being super dramatic about it and trying to control the narrative. 
. I mean, can you imagine how chaotic it would be with cameras and reporters all over the place? But at the same time, transparency is important in court cases like this. The media outlets are asking for a right to report on something that's basically a major news event - Trump being charged with crimes no less! 
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. I mean, he's already in a tough spot with all these charges against him and now his lawyers are trying to keep the live broadcast thing private 
. But like, isn't it fair to let the public see how this whole thing goes down? You know how we do trials at school when they're open to parents and media? It's kinda like that 
. But maybe I'm just being naive... what if his lawyers are right about security concerns? 
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. But hey, the judge's got the final say, I guess...
. Maybe the courts should just take a deep breath and remember that we're dealing with human beings here, not a WWE match 
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It's like they're trying to protect themselves from their own karma... but deep down, aren't we all just waiting to see what happens next? 
. The guy got charged with crimes, he should be able to see what's going on and the public should get to see how their justice system works. It's all about transparency and accountability, right? I mean, if there are security concerns, they can take measures to handle it. But just not letting cameras in is kinda weird. And what's with the "circus-like atmosphere" thing? Is that even a real concern? 
. I mean, come on, it's not like he's gonna get a get-out-of-jail-free card if everyone sees him walk into court 
. The security concerns are probably just an excuse to keep the narrative under wraps 
. But honestly, what's there to hide? It's all public record stuff... (shrugs) I guess you'll just have to wait and see what happens on Tuesday 
. On one hand, transparency is super important, but on the other hand, you gotta think about the potential for things to get outta control. It's kinda like when you're at a protest and people start getting too rowdy... 
. Maybe they can just have cameras in the courtroom, but not live feed or anything? That way, everyone gets what they want without it getting too wild 
so his lawyers are trying to block the live broadcast of his arraignment because they think it'll be a "circus-like atmosphere" lol like really? who is he kidding? this is the most drama-filled, controversy-ridden guy in the world and now he's whining about security concerns? 
i mean idk what else to say tbh. but seriously, dont you guys just want to see the whole thing go down live? it's gonna be like a real-life drama tv show 
. I'm guessing CNN and other media outlets are just trying to get some popcorn-worthy footage out of this... it's gonna be fun! 
". And what about Weisselberg's case? Was it really necessary to limit the pics taken before his arraignment?
. Maybe we'll get some clarity on what's gonna happen during Trump's arraignment 
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. and come on, a "circus-like atmosphere"? that sounds like just an excuse for them to keep him under wraps... or maybe it's just another way to control the narrative 
. Can you imagine Trump sitting there in handcuffs, and CNN is showing it live? The drama! 
But for real though, I get why his lawyers are worried about security... he's Donald Trump, after all 
. What do you think? Should the arraignment be on TV or not?