Special investigator calls Donald Trump to the camera

Donald Trump (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

The special prosecutor in former President Donald Trump’s election fraud case is accusing the defense of changing course and making the disingenuous demand for cameras in the trial. For example, Trump’s motion on Friday did not mention that the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure prohibit photography and filming.

Now prosecutors are asking the judge for permission to make a formal statement.

“The defendant’s response did not reference the relevant Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or cite any applicable case law, but rather was false and inflammatory
allegations regarding the management of his criminal case, United States v. Trump, No. 23-cr-257 (TSC),,” said Special Counsel Jack Smith wrote in a motion filed Sunday. “The government requests an opportunity to respond to defendant’s claims and stands ready to file its proposed four-page response promptly upon receipt of the court’s permission.”

Smith said the defense was reversing its previous neutral stance in front of the courtroom cameras.

“On November 3, 2023, the United States filed objections to requests from a coalition of media organizations seeking to record and broadcast the criminal trial of Donald J. Trump (“the defendant”),” he wrote. “ECF No. 16. Prior to this filing, the government inquired about defendant’s position on the motions and his counsel requested that the government explain to the court that he had not taken a position. The government has clearly communicated this to the Court. ID. at No. 2. However, on November 10, defendant changed course and filed a statement of defense in support of the motions.”