Trump's lawyers are fighting a request by media outlets to broadcast former President Donald Trump's arraignment in court on Tuesday. In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, they argued that allowing cameras and video recording of the proceedings would create a "circus-like atmosphere," raise security concerns, and be inconsistent with Trump's presumption of innocence.
The lawyers pointed out that the judge has the authority to manage and control the proceedings, including restricting or excluding videography, photography, and radio coverage. They also noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York statutes and case law.
However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which is representing Trump in the case, stopped short of opposing the request outright. Instead, they said it would be a "defensible exercise" to exclude or restrict coverage if it were deemed necessary for maintaining order, ensuring safety, or avoiding prejudice to the defendant.
In 2021, a similar request was made for Trump's arraignment in a tax fraud case, and the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the proceedings. The prosecutors noted that CNN is one of the outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment.
The lawyers pointed out that the judge has the authority to manage and control the proceedings, including restricting or excluding videography, photography, and radio coverage. They also noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York statutes and case law.
However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which is representing Trump in the case, stopped short of opposing the request outright. Instead, they said it would be a "defensible exercise" to exclude or restrict coverage if it were deemed necessary for maintaining order, ensuring safety, or avoiding prejudice to the defendant.
In 2021, a similar request was made for Trump's arraignment in a tax fraud case, and the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the proceedings. The prosecutors noted that CNN is one of the outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment.
... it's just an arraignment, not some super secret spy trial 
like what you'd see on a real-life mission movie. the idea that cameras are gonna create some circus-like atmosphere is pretty weak, if you ask me 
. and security concerns? that's always something 
... it feels like they're just trying to hide something from the public 
. in 2021, it was fine to have a few still photos taken before the proceedings... why change the rules now? 
the DA office is being kinda coy about it too... either support transparency or don't support Trump's "presumption of innocence" 
. this whole thing feels like a PR stunt 
...
Or what if Trump just wants us to see him in court, like he has nothing to hide? The DA's office is being too careful, if you ask me. This whole thing is suspicious... 
... like, I get it, Trump's got his lawyers trying to protect him, but come on! It's a public arraignment, not a royal wedding 
. Can't we just have a little transparency here? And what's with the "circus-like atmosphere" excuse? Sounds like a cop-out to me 
. I mean, I've been to some wild protests in my time, but this is just ridiculous. And don't even get me started on security concerns... if it's that bad, maybe Trump should be living in a different kind of "bubble". Can we at least have some basic reporting on what's going down? This secrecy thing is getting old 
...
what's the diff? is it just a matter of who's asking for access now vs then? shouldn't be about security concerns or prejudice if we can have pics from last time 
the lawyers are trying to create a "circus-like atmosphere" but i think they're just mad because it would expose them for who's really at fault here 
. I've seen those courtroom shows where cameras are allowed and it can get pretty intense. But excluding cameras altogether might not be the best idea either - I mean, people want to know what's going on in their justice system! 
They're saying it'll create a "circus-like atmosphere" but I think that's just code for they don't want anyone seeing the truth. And security concerns? Please, like Trump has never made a dramatic exit or two in his time. The cameras will be fine, imo! 
.
and what's the harm in having some reporters there to give us an update on what's going down in court? 
).
what if somethin goes down and ppl get hurt or worse? but cant they just set boundaries and let people watch? its not like they're gonna ruin the whole show 
. The fact that Trump's team is even making arguments about maintaining order and avoiding prejudice seems kinda rich given his own history of controversy