Trump's Lawyers Push Back Against Plans to Broadcast His Arraignment
The legal team of former US President Donald Trump has objected to a request by media outlets to broadcast his upcoming arraignment on Tuesday. The lawyers, who signed the letter just days after joining Trump's team, claim that allowing cameras and videography in the courtroom would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns.
In a letter submitted to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the Trump attorneys argue that the media request is inconsistent with Trump's presumption of innocence. They also stated that any video or photography of the proceedings could heighten the serious security concerns surrounding the case.
The team cites "Secret Service-related concerns" as one of the key reasons for their opposition to broadcasting the arraignment live. Todd Blanche, a new lawyer on Trump's team who recently joined the case, was among those signing the letter.
Meanwhile, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the media request, stating that it is deferring to the judge to decide how best to manage the courtroom. However, they noted that excluding or restricting videography and photography could be a legitimate exercise of the court's discretion to maintain order and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
The prosecutors acknowledged that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York law, but pointed out that a similar request was denied for Trump's 2021 tax fraud case. The judge had allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to proceedings.
As CNN is one of the outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment, it remains to be seen how Judge Merchant will rule on the matter.
The legal team of former US President Donald Trump has objected to a request by media outlets to broadcast his upcoming arraignment on Tuesday. The lawyers, who signed the letter just days after joining Trump's team, claim that allowing cameras and videography in the courtroom would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns.
In a letter submitted to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the Trump attorneys argue that the media request is inconsistent with Trump's presumption of innocence. They also stated that any video or photography of the proceedings could heighten the serious security concerns surrounding the case.
The team cites "Secret Service-related concerns" as one of the key reasons for their opposition to broadcasting the arraignment live. Todd Blanche, a new lawyer on Trump's team who recently joined the case, was among those signing the letter.
Meanwhile, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the media request, stating that it is deferring to the judge to decide how best to manage the courtroom. However, they noted that excluding or restricting videography and photography could be a legitimate exercise of the court's discretion to maintain order and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
The prosecutors acknowledged that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York law, but pointed out that a similar request was denied for Trump's 2021 tax fraud case. The judge had allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to proceedings.
As CNN is one of the outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment, it remains to be seen how Judge Merchant will rule on the matter.
so i think its kinda weird that they're trying to block cameras from going in during trump's arraignment... like, isn't it public interest? we've all been following this case for years and now he's getting put away or whatever, shouldn't we get to see it go down?
. Plus, if there's nothing to hide, why can't the media have a say? It's kinda like they're trying to create a bubble around him that doesn't exist outside of his own team 
. I'm just curious about what's going on here, you know? 
I mean, can you blame them? It's not like Trump's team hasn't been at the center of drama and controversy for years now... I'm sure a live broadcast would just add more fuel to the fire. 
But seriously, isn't this what courts are supposed to be about - transparency and accountability? It's kinda ironic that they're worried about security when Trump's team has a history of being super secretive about their own dealings. 
. I mean, whats wrong with allowing cameras in the courtroom? Its not like its gonna disrupt the proceedings or anything 
. He should be held accountable for his actions, not have a private little meeting behind closed doors 
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like what's he got to hide lol anyway i feel kinda bad for judge merchant having to deal with all this drama 
it's not like they haven't seen a tv courtroom before lol the secret service concerns though is legit tho 
doesn't he wanna show the world what's going on in his case?
but then again if cameras are allowed it might get too crazy in there 
anyway, we'll have to see how Judge Merchant decides on this... 