Trump's Lawyers Push Back Against Live Coverage of Arraignment, citing Security Concerns and Circus-Like Atmosphere.
The attorneys representing former US President Donald Trump have filed a letter with New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, opposing media outlets' requests to broadcast Trump's arraignment on Tuesday. The lawyers argue that allowing live coverage would create a "circus-like atmosphere," raise unique security concerns, and be inconsistent with the president's presumption of innocence.
In their letter, the Trump team claimed that any video or photography of the proceedings would only heighten these serious concerns, particularly given the Secret Service-related security issues associated with the former president. They suggested that this would compromise the safety of participants in the proceeding.
While the Manhattan District Attorney's office has responded to the media request, stating that it is deferring to the judge to decide how best to manage the courtroom, they have expressed openness to limiting or restricting videography and photography during the arraignment. However, they argued that there doesn't appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
It's worth noting that in 2021, a similar request for audio-video broadcasting was made by media outlets for Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's tax fraud arraignment. The judge at that time allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
The attorneys representing former US President Donald Trump have filed a letter with New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, opposing media outlets' requests to broadcast Trump's arraignment on Tuesday. The lawyers argue that allowing live coverage would create a "circus-like atmosphere," raise unique security concerns, and be inconsistent with the president's presumption of innocence.
In their letter, the Trump team claimed that any video or photography of the proceedings would only heighten these serious concerns, particularly given the Secret Service-related security issues associated with the former president. They suggested that this would compromise the safety of participants in the proceeding.
While the Manhattan District Attorney's office has responded to the media request, stating that it is deferring to the judge to decide how best to manage the courtroom, they have expressed openness to limiting or restricting videography and photography during the arraignment. However, they argued that there doesn't appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
It's worth noting that in 2021, a similar request for audio-video broadcasting was made by media outlets for Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's tax fraud arraignment. The judge at that time allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
, considering how much drama has built up around Trump's whole situation. I think the Trump team is just trying to control the narrative and avoid any more embarrassing moments for their guy 
. But at the same time, don't get me wrong, security concerns are valid – we've seen what happens when live coverage gets out of hand in shows like 'The People v. O.J.' or 'Trump: The Art of the Deal' (just kidding about that one, but you get the idea 
). Still, I think it's kinda ironic that they're worried about cameras during an arraignment – after all, he's been known for his flair for the dramatic and love of being in the spotlight 
.
And if they're really that worried about Trump, maybe they should start by making sure his arraignment doesn't turn into a spectacle in the first place? It's kinda like when our school principal is being super serious and then suddenly breaks out into song... yeah, let's just hope it doesn't get to that point 
. Can't help but think they're more worried about Trump looking bad than actual security risks... 
like, isn't this the most interesting thing thats happened in politics since forever? and now they're saying its gonna be a circus? idk about that but I do think its kinda lame that they wanna hide what's going down from everyone else 
and btw why is it always the trump team trying to block media coverage? doesnt anyone think its time for some transparency here? 
will he rock that suit or what? 
They're trying to keep it under wraps, but we all know what's going down in that courtroom! 
It's gonna be a circus for sure, and the lawyers are just trying to contain the chaos. Will they succeed? We'll have to wait and see, but one thing's for certain - this is gonna make for some juicy news! 