Trump's lawyers are fighting against a request by media outlets to broadcast the former president's arraignment in court on Tuesday. The lawyers claim that allowing live coverage would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise security concerns, which they believe could prejudice Trump's trial.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the Trump team argued that any video or photography of the proceedings would heighten these serious concerns, particularly in relation to Secret Service-related issues. The lawyers also pointed out that allowing cameras during an arraignment is not explicitly prohibited under existing New York statutes and case law.
However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has taken a more nuanced approach, saying it will defer to the judge's decision on how best to manage the courtroom. The DA's office acknowledged that there "does not appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment" but also noted that allowing video or photography could pose potential risks.
The district attorney's office did note, however, that in 2021, a similar request was made for the arraignment of Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg. The judge at the time allowed "a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings."
CNN is one of several outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment. The court will ultimately decide whether to allow cameras in the courtroom, but it appears that there may not be a blanket ban on live coverage.
The Trump team's opposition to media coverage highlights the challenges of balancing transparency with security concerns in high-profile cases like this one. As the arraignment approaches, it remains to be seen how Judge Merchant will weigh these competing interests and make a decision on camera access.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the Trump team argued that any video or photography of the proceedings would heighten these serious concerns, particularly in relation to Secret Service-related issues. The lawyers also pointed out that allowing cameras during an arraignment is not explicitly prohibited under existing New York statutes and case law.
However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has taken a more nuanced approach, saying it will defer to the judge's decision on how best to manage the courtroom. The DA's office acknowledged that there "does not appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment" but also noted that allowing video or photography could pose potential risks.
The district attorney's office did note, however, that in 2021, a similar request was made for the arraignment of Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg. The judge at the time allowed "a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings."
CNN is one of several outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment. The court will ultimately decide whether to allow cameras in the courtroom, but it appears that there may not be a blanket ban on live coverage.
The Trump team's opposition to media coverage highlights the challenges of balancing transparency with security concerns in high-profile cases like this one. As the arraignment approaches, it remains to be seen how Judge Merchant will weigh these competing interests and make a decision on camera access.
its like they're trying to control the narrative lol and security concerns are just a bunch of weak excuses 
i mean what's next they'll be saying cameras will make the defendant do something crazy in the courtroom 
but honestly i think it's about transparency and keeping the public informed 
we should all be able to see this go down live regardless of what trump's lawyers say 
they just wanna hide what's gonna happen in that court room 
from the public eye, i get it, security is a thing, but come on, its not like hes gonna jump outta his seat and start throwing punches or anything 
. media outlets have a right to report on this stuff, after all thats whats democracy about 
. maybe judge merchant should just find a way to make it work, like that other time with weisselberg's arraignment, just a few still photos before the proceedings started 
.