M10news – Former President Donald Trump could face immediate arrest following Thursday’s debate with President Biden if a South Florida federal judge approves a gag order sought by federal prosecutors in the classified documents case against him, according to Trump’s defence attorney, Todd Blanche. The speech restrictions requested by special counsel Jack Smith are viewed by Trump’s team as severely limiting his ability to speak freely.
Blanche argued in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida, that the proposed gag order would “chilling” effect on Trump’s speech. He warned that if the order is approved, prosecutors could obtain an arrest warrant if Trump says anything during the CNN debate that violates the order.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, previously rejected a gag order request last month to prevent threatening statements about law enforcement. During a courtroom exchange, Cannon admonished one of the prosecutors for their tone, emphasizing the need for decorum in her courtroom.
Prosecutors, led by Smith, contend that Trump has mischaracterized a “deadly force” authorization related to the FBI’s August 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate, falsely describing it as an attempt to kill him, his family, and Secret Service agents. They argue that Trump’s statements have endangered law enforcement officers involved in the investigation and compromised the integrity of the proceedings.
In a motion filed on May 31, Smith’s team argued that restricting similar future statements would not infringe on legitimate speech. They highlighted fundraising emails and social media posts by Trump that they claim falsely portrayed FBI agents as being “locked & loaded” and ready to harm him.
Attorney General Merrick Garland and the FBI have refuted Trump’s allegations, stating that the “deadly force” authorization is standard protocol for searches and was even used during a consensual search of President Biden’s home. Garland called Trump’s claims “false” and “extremely dangerous.”
Blanche countered that prosecutors have not demonstrated any direct threats against law enforcement officers based on Trump’s speech. Judge Cannon has yet to announce when she will rule on the gag order, which has also been a factor in Trump’s recent legal battles, including his “hush money” case in Manhattan and his 2020 election interference case in Washington, DC.
Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to all 40 counts in the classified documents indictment, has had his trial date indefinitely postponed. His defence team argues that Smith was improperly appointed as special counsel, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
The potential for Trump’s arrest following the debate highlights the high stakes of the ongoing legal drama. The former president’s legal and public relations strategies continue to unfold as he navigates multiple criminal indictments while actively engaging in politics.
Trump’s legal team remains on high alert with the debate and subsequent legal decisions looming. Judge Cannon’s ruling on the gag order could significantly impact the case’s trajectory and Trump’s ability to communicate publicly.
As the situation evolves, all eyes are on the courtroom and the upcoming debate, which could prove pivotal in the unfolding legal battles surrounding the former president.
