If federal prosecutors get their way Judge Tanya Chutkan will issue a "narrow" gag order that would prohibit Trump from making statements "regarding the identity, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses" and "about any party, witness, attorney, court personnel, or potential jurors that are disparaging and inflammatory, or intimidating."
I suspect Judge Chutkan will grant Special Counsel Jack Smith's request to reel in the out-of-control twice impeached former president.
One caveat. Don't expect the judge to throw Trump into jail despite the fact that if it was anyone else in the USA who did what he's doing they'd be staring out from a jail cell already.
For starters Trump is getting special treatment and considerations as evidenced by how hard he's pushing back against the entire judicial system and its rules yet he's still walking around free to attack our democracy.
A lot of people are afraid of Trump. Especially Republican lawmakers in Congress who are following him like sheep ready to be sheared.
Prosecutors noted that Trump's attacks on social media have previously endangered the subjects of his wrath, sometimes leading to violence.
Judge Chutkan is aware of this. She even warned him last month, "I caution you and your client to take special care in your public statements about this case. I will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings."
As a matter of record the gag order request Friday came on the same day that unsealed filings that Twitter, now known as X, gave prosecutors at least 32 of Trump's private messages.
It's also important to note that Trump was cautioned by the judge in the Georgia trial that he was being released on the condition that he would not intimidate co-defendants, witnesses and others. Trump has ignored that caution and it's just a matter of time before that judge gets tired of his antics and seeks a gag order too.
The burning question today is:
What would Judge Chutkan's gag order involve?
Frankly I don't believe he's going to go to jail. Too many people are concerned it would cause major riots when his cult followers find out.
The next step involves putting him above the law (again) and letting him continue to attack everyone under the guise of the First Amendment by giving him a slap on the wrist.
I've heard political pundits say Trump could be confined to one of his estates and wear a tracking device. Honestly. Who really believes even that would happen?
It's tough watching Trump get away with mocking our judicial system and flagrantly defying everyone with no apparent consequences thus far.
Our system of government counts on judges treating everyone equally, but sadly that not what the reality is today.
As it stands, I hope Judge Chutkan (and the judges in the other three jurisdictions) don't make political decisions that will enable the most corrupt president in American history. The need to stick with the law and let the dice roll for the sake of the republic.
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