Donald Trump's lawyers have opposed a request by media outlets to broadcast his arraignment in court on Tuesday. In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the Trump team argued that allowing cameras and video coverage at the proceeding would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns.
According to the letter, the attorneys cited the need for maintaining an orderly proceeding and ensuring the safety of all participants as reasons for excluding or restricting videography and photography. However, they also acknowledged that President Trump is required under court rules to take into account potential security concerns.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the request, stating that it would be "a defensible exercise" for the court to exclude or restrict coverage of the arraignment in order to avoid prejudice to the defendant and maintain a safe environment. However, they noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
Interestingly, this request bears some resemblance to a similar request made for the 2021 arraignment of Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. In that instance, the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
It remains to be seen whether Judge Merchant will grant access to cameras and video coverage for Tuesday's arraignment.
According to the letter, the attorneys cited the need for maintaining an orderly proceeding and ensuring the safety of all participants as reasons for excluding or restricting videography and photography. However, they also acknowledged that President Trump is required under court rules to take into account potential security concerns.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the request, stating that it would be "a defensible exercise" for the court to exclude or restrict coverage of the arraignment in order to avoid prejudice to the defendant and maintain a safe environment. However, they noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
Interestingly, this request bears some resemblance to a similar request made for the 2021 arraignment of Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. In that instance, the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
It remains to be seen whether Judge Merchant will grant access to cameras and video coverage for Tuesday's arraignment.
is he gonna try something? anyway, think its kinda weird that his lawyers are worried about a "circus-like atmosphere" but like, hes the one who tried to ban books and whatnot 
cant wait to see whats gonna go down on tuesday 
. But at the same time, isn't this whole thing kinda public interest stuff? 
I'd love to see more clarity on what Judge Merchant decides 
... maybe we'll just have to wait and see how it all goes down 
it's kinda weird that his team is tryin to hide him from us i mean i get what they say about security concerns but come on, he's a public fig 
but it'll be interesting to see what judge merchant decides
my heart goes out to allen weisselberg btw, he's been through that too 
the lawyers are worried about cameras and vids making it feel like a circus, but i think it's kinda refreshing to know what's going on behind closed doors 
. Trump's team trying to control the narrative and create a "circus-like atmosphere" just sounds like typical PR spin 
.
. But at the same time, isn't that what journalism is all about? Holding people in power accountable? 
It feels like we're walking a fine line between freedom of speech and security concerns.
. But seriously, the "circus-like atmosphere" argument seems a bit weak to me... like, what exactly would happen if cameras were there? Would it really make it chaotic? 
. Seriously though, I think allowing cameras and video coverage would actually help keep things organized and transparent - it's a public figure, after all, he should be held accountable for his actions 
. And let's be real, the "circus-like atmosphere" excuse sounds like just a bunch of hooey 
. Can't wait to see how this plays out, hopefully Judge Merchant won't cave to the Trump team's demands 
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, but isn't arraignment like, a pretty big deal? shouldn't we at least get some kinda glimpse into what's going on behind closed doors? 
. Here's a simple flowchart: 
but then again, who doesn't love watching the big guy in court? The security concerns thing is legit tho, gotta keep everyone safe and all that 
? And what about the security concerns? Come on, it's not like he's gonna escape or anything... 
. i wish some outlets would cover this from a different angle tho, not just as "trump gets arrested" stuff. what about the impact on trump's family or his team's morale? 
. This whole thing is just too interesting 
, especially with the history of similar requests for other high-profile cases. It'll be wild if cameras do end up rolling during Tuesday's arraignment 
The fact that Trump's lawyers are worried about cameras creating a "circus-like atmosphere" just seems like a weak excuse to me... 
Have we forgotten that we're watching our leader get held accountable for something? The media outlets are just asking for a bit of transparency here