Trump After NY Court By Video Again Objects to Restrictions on Campaign, Trial March 25, 2024
More here below the fold / paywall line
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
FOLEY SQUARE, May 23 – Donald Trump filed a notice of removal to Federal court of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's indictment of him in state court, on May 4, 2023.
On May 23, the state case had another proceeding before Judge Juan Merchan, this time with Trump appearing by video from Mar-a-Lago in Florida with his lawyer Todd Blanche beside him. Inner City Press was in the NYC courtroom and live tweeted, thread here and below.
Afterward, Trump posted on Truth Social: "Just had New York County Supreme Court hearing where I believe my First Amendment Rights, 'Freedom of Speech,' have been violated, and they forced upon us a trial date of March 25th, right in the middle of Primary season. Very unfair, but this is exactly what the Radical Left Democrats wanted," he continued. "It's called ELECTION INTERFERENCE, and nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before!!!"
This as DeSantis is scheduled to announce his campaign on May 24 at 6 pm on Twitter...
The 2:15 pm thread: OK - now at NYS v. Trump proceeding, Trump is already on video screen here in Judge Merchan's courtroom
Trump on screen is tapping his fingertips together; two American flags behind him. NYC Courts officers patrolling the aisles of the courtroom. Judge Merchan due in three minutes. Two. One... All rise! [Trump on screen in Florida does not stand - it was not requested, protocol unclear]
"For President Trump, Susan Necheles. My colleague Todd Blanche is with President Trump in Florida." Judge Merchan: We are here for a protective order
Judge Merchan: Mr. Trump, do you have a copy of the protective order? Trump: Yes, I do. Judge Merchan: Mr. Blanche, have you reviewed the order with your client? Blanche: Yes. Judge Merchan: Anything not understood? Blanche: Our objections remain
Blanche: He believes his First Amendment rights are being violated. He is running for President and is the leading contender. That is the only... the protective order is in place. Judge Merchan: I do no mean to impede Mr. Trump's ability to campaign
Judge Merchan: I don't think there's any need to be line by line through the protective order, based on your representation. Blanche: I agree.
Judge Merchan: Did you explain to your client this order is a mandate of the court? Blanche: He understands Judge Merchan: Violation of the order could result in a finding of contempt. Anything further? No. No.
Judge Merchan: I want to turn to the issue whether Mr. Tacopina is conflicted out of the case. I am reviewing it. Now, the motion and trial schedule...
Judge Merchan: This case is set down for trial on March 25, 2024 - we'll commence jury selection then. Parties including Mr. Trump are directed to not enter any commitments from then until the trial is completed. There can be no substitution of counsel
Judge Merchant: Motions off-calendar on August 8, with decisions before the trial. I expect no delays. Any questions? Necheles: When we agreed to August 8, we thought we would have discovery by now. So we'd like an adjournment until the end of September
Judge Merchan: People? Prosecutor: We are serving the defense with notice and a hard drive of the first discovery materials... The original motion schedule was set for discovery to be given by June 8, the statutory deadline. We anticipate meeting that
Necheles: I don't see the harm to the People. We haven't even started looking at discovery. After we finalized the protective order, we asked for the discovery - but the People declined. Now we are 7 weeks out. Judge Merchan: It would eat into the cushion.
Judge Merchan: I will extend it until August 29. People, will you be requesting three extra weeks? Prosecutor: We'll take six weeks, to October 10. Judge Merchan: I don't have a 2024 calendar...
Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron.
Judge Merchan: Next, January 4 at 9:30 for a decision. Anything else? Nothing. Judge Merchan: I'll see you on the adjourn day, October 10. Adjourned.
more below the fold / paywall line
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Matthew Russell Lee’s Newsletter to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.