By Steve Neavling
Federal prosecutors argued for new restrictions on Donald Trump to prevent him from publicly attacking federal law enforcement officials during a contentious court hearing Monday.
U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, a Trump appointee, did not immediately rule on the motion and questioned how such an order would not violate the former president’s free speech rights, the Associated Press reports. Cannon also expressed skepticism that FBI agents were at risk because their identities were withheld from court documents.
“I’m trying to make sure that whatever condition is contemplated is consistent with the First Amendment,” Cannon said, later emphasizing the importance of a connection “between the alleged dangerous comments and the risk” to public safety.
At one point, Cannon admonished prosecutor David Harbach for his “tone” after he expressed frustration with the judge repeatedly disrupting him.
Trump lawyer Todd Blanche insisted that Trump’s remarks posed no imminent threats to law enforcement.
Cannon is presiding over the classified documents prosecution of Trump and has indefinitely postponed the trial last month, with no new date set.
