U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said Friday that former President Donald Trump’s First Amendment rights to the U.S. Constitution are “not absolute.”
Chutkan is expected to issue a secrecy order in a lawsuit over Trump’s alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 riots.
“Mr. President Trump, like other Americans, has the right to free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution, but that right is not absolute. Freedom of speech is subject to regulation,” Chutkan said. CNN.
“Without a secrecy order, a party may disclose information that could taint a jury, intimidate witnesses or others involved in part of the case, or obstruct the ‘judicial process.’ It may be made public.”
Chutkan’s order was reportedly issued after she and Trump’s attorney, John Lauro, debated what Trump could say about the evidence presented in the case. CNN.
“The fact that he is currently running a political campaign compels us to surrender to the administration of justice,” Chutkan said. “If that means he can’t say exactly what he wants to say in his political speeches, so be it.”
“The defendant’s desire to campaign and stand up to his political opponents is compelled to give in.” (Related: CNN legal analyst explains how Georgia prosecutors were able to ‘blow up’ Jack Smith’s indictment)
According to CNN, Lauro claimed the team is focused on “fair use of information.”
ARLINGTON, Virginia – August 3: Former President Donald Trump holds up an umbrella as he arrives at Reagan National Airport after being arraigned in a Washington DC courthouse on August 3, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo credit: Tasos Katpodis/Getty Images)
Trump was indicted for the third time by the Biden administration on August 1. He was charged with “conspiracy to deceive the United States,” “conspiracy to corruptly obstruct and obstruct the trial on January 6,” and “conspiracy against voting rights and the right to have votes counted.”
Prosecutors are trying to set a trial date for him in January, which coincides with the Iowa caucuses.
