Trump's lawyers push back against media request to broadcast arraignment, citing security concerns. In a letter sent to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant on Monday, Trump's attorneys said they oppose the request by media outlets to broadcast his arraignment on Tuesday.
According to their statement, broadcasting the proceedings could create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns. The lawyers claimed that allowing video or photography of the proceeding would only heighten these serious concerns. Notably, among those signing this new letter was Todd Blanche, who recently joined Trump's legal team.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office also responded to the news outlets' request, stating it would be defensible exercise of the Court's discretion to exclude or restrict videography, photography, and radio coverage. However, the prosecutors 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.
Interestingly, similar requests were made for Trump's 2021 arraignment in the tax fraud case against him and his CFO Allen Weisselberg. In response to those requests, Judge Merchant allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
CNN, among other media outlets, is requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment. It remains unclear whether the judge will ultimately approve or deny these requests.
According to their statement, broadcasting the proceedings could create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns. The lawyers claimed that allowing video or photography of the proceeding would only heighten these serious concerns. Notably, among those signing this new letter was Todd Blanche, who recently joined Trump's legal team.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office also responded to the news outlets' request, stating it would be defensible exercise of the Court's discretion to exclude or restrict videography, photography, and radio coverage. However, the prosecutors 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.
Interestingly, similar requests were made for Trump's 2021 arraignment in the tax fraud case against him and his CFO Allen Weisselberg. In response to those requests, Judge Merchant allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
CNN, among other media outlets, is requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment. It remains unclear whether the judge will ultimately approve or deny these requests.
I mean, don't get me wrong, security is important and all that jazz... but come on! It's not like he's going to try and escape or anything 
. And honestly, can you imagine the drama if people were able to broadcast live? It would be like a real-life TV show 
. I'm kinda curious though, what's Trump trying to hide that he doesn't want anyone to see? 
[Image of a clown in a courtroom]
But at the same time, I think it's kinda pointless to keep cameras out of the proceedings - I mean, isn't that what live TV is for? 
On the other hand, maybe allowing cameras would create a "circus-like atmosphere"... 
! I get why they're worried about security concerns, but come on, it's an arraignment – it's not like he's gonna make a break for it 
. The fact that his new lawyer is signing off on this letter is telling – maybe there's more going on behind the scenes than we know 
. I mean, can't they just have a normal arraignment without all the drama and security issues? I don't get why they're making such a big deal about cameras in the courtroom. It's not like Trump's gonna make some sweeping statements that'll spark global unrest or something... oh wait, maybe he will 
.
. The prosecutors make some good points about the statutes and case law, though 
. Maybe Judge Merchant will see it their way and let us all get a glimpse of Trump's arraignment 
.
They want to put on a show, huh? Let's see how the Judge weighs in on this one