U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon of the Southern District of Florida admonished Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor David Harbach during a hearing on Monday on potentially modifying former President Trump’s release conditions to include a restriction on his speech.
A seemingly annoyed Cannon told Harbach at the day’s second hearing that one of his colleagues with the prosecution could take over if he was not able to adjust his tone or act within the decorum of the court.
Her rebuke came as Harbach argued that the informal gag order was necessary ahead of the trial as Trump’s claims relating to the 2022 raid of his Mar-a-Lago property have the potential to endanger law enforcement officers.
He provided examples of actions from supporters of Trump after statements the former president made publicly, including an attack in Cleveland, Ohio after the search warrant was first executed.
Harbach claimed that Trump should be prevented from making statements that are specific or imminent to the case.
As part of his argument, the prosecutor noted several FBI agents involved in the raid had their names made public. When Cannon asked who made those names public, he would not say, but claimed the prosecution was aware. The judge was seemingly irritated by the response, and questioned why the prosecution wouldn’t come forward with that information, allowing for the person who released the names to be prosecuted.
Trump defense attorney Todd Blanche also argued during the hearing, pushing back on the request. He claimed the requested speech limitation is too vague, also saying Trump’s statements are obviously attacks against President Biden and not law enforcement officials.
