Judge asked to intervene after Trump 'threatened to retaliate against witnesses'

Trump used the Alabama rally (pictured) to tell his supporters, «We need another charge to close this case.» elections' Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images.

The U.S. Department of Justice has asked the judge hearing Donald Trump's election fraud case to intervene after the former president threatened to retaliate against anyone who «prosecutes him.»

Prosecutors have appealed to U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan asking for a «protective order» in a case filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

This came after Mr. Trump wrote to Truth Social in capital letters: «If you follow me I'll come for you!»

The prosecution argued that the message suggested that Mr. Trump might improperly intimidate witnesses. disclosure of confidential government evidence.

Trump pleaded not guilty in Washington Thursday to four charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The charges involve the United States. January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot and Other Attempts to Overturn 2020 Election Results

The protective order, which is distinct from the so-called «gag order», will limit information about Trump and his legal team from being allowed to speak publicly about the case.

Prosecutors said it was «particularly important in this case» as Mr. Trump has previously posted on social media about «witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others involved in legal matters.» cases pending against him.”

In a process known as disclosure, prosecutors are required to provide defendants with evidence against them so they can properly prepare their defense.

Prosecutors said they are preparing to turn over a «significant» amount of evidence to Trump's prosecutors. legal team, including «sensitive and confidential» information.

If Mr. Trump starts posting it on social media, it could have a «harmful, deterrent effect on witnesses» or «adversely affect the fair administration of justice» , they said.

Mr. Trump's team has responded to the latest legal salvo by saying that Truth on Social Media is «the definition of political speech.» ” and moderate Republican political organizations that attacked Trump, not in connection with a criminal case.

Republicans 'look like weak jerks'

On Friday night, Trump held a rally in Alabama and said that Republicans make them look like on «weaklings.»

He said, «Republicans have to be tough and smart, because most of them look like a bunch of weaklings now.»

«You have to be tough and smart, and you have to fight fire with fire.”

He added, “Every time they bring charges, we move up in the polls. We need another indictment to complete this election.”

Mr. Trump also aired a new TV ad attacking Mr. Smith and other prosecutors bringing charges against him, which will begin airing next week .