Trump's lawyers say no to live broadcast of his arraignment; DA's office defers on decision.
A dramatic showdown is unfolding in New York as former President Donald Trump faces a potentially explosive arraignment in Manhattan. The stakes are high, with the media outlets clamoring for access to this critical moment. But Trump's lawyers have thrown a curveball, opposing the live broadcast of his arraignment by major news organizations.
According to sources close to the case, the Trump team made their stance clear in a letter to Judge Juan Merchant, arguing that such a broadcast would create an "unseemly circus-like atmosphere" and pose significant security concerns. The lawyers pointed out that Secret Service-related concerns are particularly acute, as President Trump will be present during his arraignment.
The Trump lawyers have also raised the issue of maintaining order in the courtroom, citing the need to avoid potential prejudice to their client and ensure the safety of all participants. These claims are being closely watched by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which is deferring on its decision regarding camera access for Tuesday's arraignment.
In a twist, the DA's office noted that there doesn't appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law. However, they also pointed out that a similar request was rejected in 2021 for the tax fraud case against Trump Organization, in which audio-video broadcasting was deemed too distracting.
The DA's office has now requested that Judge Merchant exercise his discretion to either exclude or restrict videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment. With major news outlets including CNN seeking access, this is shaping up to be a battle over the right to report on one of the most high-stakes moments in Trump's legal history.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether Judge Merchant will side with Trump's lawyers or allow live coverage of the arraignment. For now, the media outlets are holding their breaths, waiting for the judge's decision that could make or break their plans to broadcast this pivotal moment.
A dramatic showdown is unfolding in New York as former President Donald Trump faces a potentially explosive arraignment in Manhattan. The stakes are high, with the media outlets clamoring for access to this critical moment. But Trump's lawyers have thrown a curveball, opposing the live broadcast of his arraignment by major news organizations.
According to sources close to the case, the Trump team made their stance clear in a letter to Judge Juan Merchant, arguing that such a broadcast would create an "unseemly circus-like atmosphere" and pose significant security concerns. The lawyers pointed out that Secret Service-related concerns are particularly acute, as President Trump will be present during his arraignment.
The Trump lawyers have also raised the issue of maintaining order in the courtroom, citing the need to avoid potential prejudice to their client and ensure the safety of all participants. These claims are being closely watched by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which is deferring on its decision regarding camera access for Tuesday's arraignment.
In a twist, the DA's office noted that there doesn't appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law. However, they also pointed out that a similar request was rejected in 2021 for the tax fraud case against Trump Organization, in which audio-video broadcasting was deemed too distracting.
The DA's office has now requested that Judge Merchant exercise his discretion to either exclude or restrict videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment. With major news outlets including CNN seeking access, this is shaping up to be a battle over the right to report on one of the most high-stakes moments in Trump's legal history.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether Judge Merchant will side with Trump's lawyers or allow live coverage of the arraignment. For now, the media outlets are holding their breaths, waiting for the judge's decision that could make or break their plans to broadcast this pivotal moment.
what if something goes down and nobody can report on it? 
Live broadcast drama unfolding in NYC 
️! I just checked the numbers and according to Google Trends, searches related to Trump arraignment have spiked 300% in the past 24 hours 
. If the judge goes for no live broadcast, it's gonna be a huge blow to CNN and other major networks which are willing to invest big bucks for this exclusive coverage 
.
Here's a snapshot:
I mean, we all know this is coming from a PR standpoint.
like what else is gonna happen? its all just drama at this point... and i feel bad for the media outlets who are stuck on this story... cant they just report on it like normal? 
.
And Trump's lawyers are straight-up paranoid about security concerns... yikes! 
This whole thing is just gonna get more drama-filled by the minute 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out