Donald Trump's lawyers have submitted a formal objection to broadcast his arraignment on live television, citing concerns about security and a "circus-like atmosphere." In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the Trump team argued that allowing cameras to capture the proceedings would heighten security concerns related to Secret Service protection.
According to the lawyers, including Todd Blanche who recently joined Trump's legal team, any video or photography of the proceedings could create unnecessary stress and anxiety for Trump, putting his safety at risk. They also claimed that allowing live broadcasting would make it difficult for the judge to maintain order in the courtroom.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has responded by saying they are deferring to the judge's discretion on how to manage the arraignment. While they acknowledged that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under New York statutes and case law, they stopped short of opposing the request outright.
However, the prosecutors pointed out that a similar request was made for the 2021 arraignment in the tax fraud case against Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg, which resulted in a limited number of still photographs being allowed to be taken prior to proceedings. It is unclear whether this precedent will influence Merchant's decision on Tuesday.
As one of several news outlets requesting camera access for the live broadcast, CNN would face a formal denial if the request were to be rejected by the court. This would mean that only audio recordings or pre-recorded footage could be shared with the public at the time of the arraignment.
According to the lawyers, including Todd Blanche who recently joined Trump's legal team, any video or photography of the proceedings could create unnecessary stress and anxiety for Trump, putting his safety at risk. They also claimed that allowing live broadcasting would make it difficult for the judge to maintain order in the courtroom.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has responded by saying they are deferring to the judge's discretion on how to manage the arraignment. While they acknowledged that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under New York statutes and case law, they stopped short of opposing the request outright.
However, the prosecutors pointed out that a similar request was made for the 2021 arraignment in the tax fraud case against Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg, which resulted in a limited number of still photographs being allowed to be taken prior to proceedings. It is unclear whether this precedent will influence Merchant's decision on Tuesday.
As one of several news outlets requesting camera access for the live broadcast, CNN would face a formal denial if the request were to be rejected by the court. This would mean that only audio recordings or pre-recorded footage could be shared with the public at the time of the arraignment.
I think it's pretty lame that Trump's team is trying to hide his arraignment from the public 
. I mean, what's he got to hide? It's not like he's going down without a fight or anything 
. I get where they're coming from with the security concerns and all, but come on, it's just an arraignment! It's not like he's performing in some kinda circus 
.
. The public has a right to know what's going down, and Trump should have to face the music for his alleged crimes 
. Maybe he's got some shady deals cooked up in that courtroom 
.
. I want to see some actual footage of him walking into that courtroom with his hands cuffed 
. That would be epic! 
this is crazy! Like, Trump's team actually thinks live TV will create a "circus-like atmosphere" and put his life in danger? Interesting 
so trump's lawyers wanna keep his arraignment private 
but like, why?? is it really gonna make a diff if cameras r in? seems kinda sketchy 2 me... & what about the publics right 2 know wut happens? shouldn't we b able 2 watch our leaders do their thing? 
Trump's lawyers think it's a bad idea for cameras to capture his live arraignment? I'm good with it, though - who doesn't love watching some drama in court? 
The secret service is just worried about his safety? Give me a break... this guy's been in the headlines 24/7 for years and you think he's gonna get hurt? 
But at the same time, isn't this whole thing kinda public info? 
what if the DA doesn't let him do it tho? will we actually get to see this live on TV or just have to wait for audio recordings 
still hoping CNN gets access tho, that'd be sick!
... Trump's team is just trying to avoid scrutiny, and now they're throwing security concerns at us? like we don't have enough cameras already in the courtroom? 
. we deserve to see our leaders held to account, even if it makes them uncomfortable 