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Report: Trump Quietly Coaxing Senate Dem To Switch Political Party

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President Trump and Senate Republicans are making a bold, behind-the-scenes play: trying to lure Sen. John Fetterman out of the Democratic Party — and into the GOP’s column.

According to Politico’s Jonathan Martin, some Republicans believe they could cling to Senate control even if they lose multiple seats this fall — if they can convince the Pennsylvania Democrat to switch sides.

“Trump has made the sell, offering his patented total and complete endorsement plus a financial windfall to the Pennsylvanian,” Martin reported. Behind the scenes, GOP senators have also been “gently feeling out Fetterman” about the idea of defecting, according to multiple high-level Republican officials.

So far, Fetterman is holding the line — publicly, at least.

“I’m not changing,” he said. “I’m a Democrat and I’m staying one.”

But the intrigue hasn’t died down.

When one Republican floated the idea of Fetterman becoming an independent, the senator didn’t shut it down outright — he “absorbed the suggestion and didn’t embrace or reject the overture,” according to a GOP official familiar with the exchange.

And in Washington, actions often speak louder than words.

Fetterman has increasingly drifted from his Democratic colleagues, skipping party luncheons and spending hours with Republicans during Senate votes. He’s developed a friendly rapport with Senate Majority Leader John Thune — the two reportedly text regularly — and has been spotted hanging out in the GOP cloakroom, once considered off-limits territory for Democrats.

His growing ties to Republicans extend beyond politics. According to Martin, Fetterman has formed close relationships with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), along with their spouses — relationships some insiders believe could ultimately influence his political future.

At the same time, Fetterman has been openly at odds with his own party on key issues — especially immigration.

“The Democratic Party… we became an open border party, without a doubt. And now that’s wrong,” Fetterman said in a recent interview. “I support to make our border more secure, and deport all of the criminals right now.”

Still, he insists a full switch isn’t in the cards.

“So I can’t be a Republican because in many other areas, I disagree… but I’m staying in my party,” he said.

Even so, his standing among Democrats appears shaky. When asked about his relationships within the caucus, Fetterman laughed before answering: “Well, I mean, cordial… but I’m not necessarily the popular guy.”

Threats Add a Dark Backdrop

The political maneuvering comes amid a disturbing real-world threat targeting both Fetterman and Trump.

Federal authorities recently arrested a Pennsylvania man — who had just launched a Senate campaign against Fetterman — after he allegedly left a series of violent voicemails threatening the senator, his family, and the president.

According to court filings, Raymond Eugene Chandler III is accused of making graphic threats over the course of a year. In one message, he allegedly warned that Fetterman and his daughter would be dragged from their home and have their “throat… slit.”

Days later, prosecutors say, he escalated further — urging Fetterman to assassinate Trump.

“Walk into the Oval Office with a gun in your hand… put it to the President’s head… and… pull the trigger,” the caller said, according to investigators.

Authorities say the threats prompted increased security for lawmakers and their families, part of a broader surge in political violence and intimidation nationwide.

In a bizarre twist, Chandler posted a YouTube video announcing his Senate campaign just hours before his arrest, pitching a far-left platform that included wealth taxes, universal basic income, and abolishing ICE.

High Stakes, High Drama

For Republicans, flipping Fetterman would be a political earthquake — and a potential lifeline in a tight Senate map.

For now, the senator remains a Democrat — but with Trump making his pitch, GOP senators keeping the door open, and tensions rising both politically and personally, Washington is watching closely.

Trump Greenlights ‘Largest Deportation Operation’As Unrest Spreads

By U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/ero, Public Domain,

President Trump is doubling down…

Over the weekend, President Trump announced ICE must “expand efforts to detain and deport” illegal immigrants in “America’s largest [c]ities,” including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.”

The president’s comment came in a Truth Social post on Sunday evening after a week of anti-ICE protests that have taken place in major cities across the country, with most demonstrations remaining peaceful while others turned into violent riots in places like LA and Portland.

“Our Nation’s ICE Officers have shown incredible strength, determination, and courage as they facilitate a very important mission, the largest Mass Deportation Operation of Illegal Aliens in History,” Trump wrote. “Every day, the Brave Men and Women of ICE are subjected to violence, harassment, and even threats from Radical Democrat Politicians, but nothing will stop us from executing our mission, and fulfilling our Mandate to the American People.”

“ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” the president added.

The immigration protests began in LA on June 7, after local ICE raids resulted in hundreds of arrests.

The president immediately deployed the National Guard to the area when protests started two weeks ago, garnering criticism from Democrats insisting their presence would only escalate tensions.

As the protests and riots expanded nationally, continuing into this weekend, violence also took hold of certain crowds, injuring both federal and local law enforcement officials, as well as demonstrators. 

On Saturday, an innocent bystander was fatally shot during an organized protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, when two event peacekeepers in neon vests opened fire on a suspect, Arturo Gamboa, 24, who ran toward the crowd with a rifle, and ended up shooting the wrong person.

In spite of the protests, Trump doubled down on his efforts to deport illegal immigrants in his Sunday post.

“In order to achieve this, we must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside,” he said. “These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens.”

He added that he wants ICE officers “to know that REAL Americans are cheering [them] on every day.”

“The American People want our Cities, Schools, and Communities to be SAFE and FREE from Illegal Alien Crime, Conflict, and Chaos,” he wrote. “That’s why I have directed my entire Administration to put every resource possible behind this effort, and reverse the tide of Mass Destruction Migration that has turned once Idyllic Towns into scenes of Third World Dystopia. Our Federal Government will continue to be focused on the REMIGRATION of Aliens to the places from where they came, and preventing the admission of ANYONE who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States.”

The Trump administration called for a halt on deportation raids on agricultural sites, hotels and restaurants, and not to arrest “noncriminal collaterals” the New York Times reported. The move came out of fears that the sweeping raids were hurting key industries in the U.S.

Prosecutor Suddenly Steps Aside In James Comey ‘86 47’ Threat Case As Trial Looms

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    Image via Wikimedia Commons

    The federal prosecutor leading the Justice Department’s controversial criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey has abruptly stepped down, according to a new court filing — adding another twist to one of the most politically charged prosecutions of President Trump’s second term.

    A notice of substitution filed Friday in the Eastern District of North Carolina revealed that Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo will replace Matthew Petracca as counsel for the government.

    The filing, submitted by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle, requested that Petracca be removed from the court docket but offered no explanation for the sudden change.

    The shakeup comes as Comey prepares to fight charges stemming from a social media post featuring seashells arranged to read “86 47” — a message prosecutors allege amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.

    Comey faces two federal counts, including threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

    The phrase “86” is commonly used in restaurants to mean removing or discontinuing an item. But Trump administration officials argue the number carries a darker meaning in criminal circles and law enforcement culture.

    “Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in an April 28 statement announcing the indictment.

    “The grand jury returned an indictment alleging James Comey did just that, at a time when this country has witnessed violent incitement followed by deadly actions against President Trump and other elected officials,” Blanche added. “The temperature needs to be turned down, and anyone who dials it up and threatens the life of the President will be held accountable.”

    FBI Director Kash Patel was equally blunt.

    “James Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump’s life and posted it on Instagram for the world to see,” Patel said. “As the former Director of the FBI, he knew full well the attention and consequences of making such a post. This FBI and our DOJ partners pursued a rigorous investigation that followed the facts – and now Mr. Comey will be held fully accountable for his actions.”

    Comey has vehemently denied that the image was intended as a threat, insisting he viewed the seashell arrangement as political expression rather than a call for violence.

    His legal team is expected to mount an aggressive First Amendment defense.

    “If Comey is charged for the shell picture, it would face a monumental challenge under the First Amendment,” constitutional law expert Jonathan Turley told Fox News shortly after the indictment. “In my view, the image itself is clearly protected speech. Absent some other unknown facts or elements, it would be unlikely to survive a threshold constitutional challenge.”

    The prosecution has reignited a years-long feud between Trump and Comey that dates back nearly a decade.

    Trump famously fired Comey as FBI director in May 2017 amid the bureau’s investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. The dismissal triggered political shockwaves in Washington and ultimately helped lead to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

    Since leaving office, Comey has emerged as one of Trump’s most outspoken critics, frequently warning that a second Trump administration could threaten democratic institutions and the rule of law. Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused Comey of abusing the powers of the FBI and helping fuel what he calls the “Russia hoax.”

    The bad blood only intensified after Comey published a bestselling memoir sharply critical of the president and became a regular voice against Trump during the 2020 and 2024 election cycles.

    Now, the former FBI chief finds himself on the opposite side of the courtroom from the administration he once investigated.

    The case is being prosecuted in North Carolina, where authorities say the seashell photograph was taken.

    “No one is above the law in the Eastern District of North Carolina,” Boyle said after the indictment. “Our office regularly pursues threat cases including those against public officials. The Grand Jury examined the evidence in this case and found probable cause to indict Mr. Comey.”

    The trial is currently scheduled for October after U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan granted Comey’s request for additional time.

    Meanwhile, NBC News reported that Petracca has recently been removed from other criminal cases as well. According to sources cited by the outlet, the prosecutor considered leaving the Justice Department altogether before ultimately deciding to remain after taking a brief leave of absence.

    Neither Petracca nor the Justice Department has publicly explained the change.

    With an October showdown approaching and constitutional questions hanging over the case, the unusual prosecutor swap is likely to fuel further scrutiny of a prosecution already drawing intense political and legal attention.

    Special Counsel Requests Delay In Trump Jan. 6 Trial

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    Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

    Special counsel Jack Smith requested a delay in former president Donald Trump’s election interference case.

    In their Thursday filing, prosecutors cited the recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity in their request to delay several weeks.

    “Although those consultations are well underway, the Government has not finalized its position on the most appropriate schedule for the parties to brief issues related to the decision,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. “The Government therefore respectfully requests additional time to provide the Court with an informed proposal regarding the schedule for pretrial proceedings moving forward.”

    The request by Smith’s team is a distinct change from its typical approach since the beginning of the case which sought to expedite matters.

    The Daily Caller noted that in December, Smith asked the Supreme Court to consider the presidential immunity issue before allowing the appeals court to decide, but the justices declined to take it up early.

    The Supreme Court found 6-3 last month that presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts taken in office.

    “Under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority,” the court held. “And he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.”

    The justices left lower courts to decide which allegations in Trump’s indictment are “official acts” subject to immunity.

    Patriot Tulsi Gabbard Leaves Dems and Quickly Backs Republican Retired General

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    Tulsi Gabbard via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    ANALYSIS – Tulsi Gabbard, former Democrat congresswoman, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee DNC and Democrat candidate for president has publicly left the Democrat Party.

    And without skipping a beat, she quickly backed Trump-endorsed Republican New Hampshire Senate candidate Don Bolduc, a retired Army general.  

    Bolduc, beat the GOP establishment-supported state Sen. Chuck Morse in the Republican primary last month.

    He had created controversy by questioning the results of the 2020 presidential election, but after winning the primary, he said on Fox News: “I have come to the conclusion, and I want to be definitive on this, the election was not stolen.”

    In her blistering statement announcing her leaving the Dems, the patriotic Army Reserve Major twice deployed to the Middle East, blasted the Democrats for their insane wokeness, calling them an ‘elitist cabal.’

    She also implored other “independent-minded Democrats” to join her by leaving the Democrats.

    As CNN reported:

    “I can no longer remain in today’s Democratic Party. It’s now under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness, who divide us by racializing every issue & stoking anti-white racism, who actively work to undermine our God-given freedoms enshrined in our Constitution,” Gabbard said in a video posted to social media. The announcement was made on the first episode of her new podcast, “The Tulsi Gabbard Show.”

    Gabbard, who made history by becoming the first American Samoan and practicing Hindu in Congress following her election in 2012, also criticized what she said were Democrats’ “open border” policies and anti-police rhetoric.

    Gabbard endorsed Joe Biden after suspending her presidential campaign in 2020, but she has since been a vocal critic of the befuddled President.

    “President Biden campaigned on a message of unity, healing the partisan divide bringing the country together. He just gave a big speech saying supporters of President (Donald) Trump are the most extremist group in our country and a threat to our democracy. That’s half the country,” she said in her Tuesday video.

    During the 2020 campaign, Hillary Clinton suggested that Gabbard was being groomed as a potential third-party candidate without naming Gabbard, while also suggesting she was a “Russian asset.” 

    Appearing increasingly on Fox News, Gabbard even spoke to the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February.

    While Gabbard has not said whether she will join the Republican Party, register as an independent or launch a new party, her strong support for Bolduc says a lot about her trajectory and hints to a possible future political role.

    The Blaze reports:

    The Bolduc campaign announced Wednesday that Gabbard will join the GOP candidate and “barnstorm the Granite State,” with a schedule of events forthcoming.

    “We don’t agree on every issue, but I am honored to have the support of Tulsi Gabbard who shares my view that the status quo is broken, and we need a change of direction,” Bolduc said in a statement.

    “Tulsi is a fellow change agent and independent-minded outsider willing to speak truth to power. I am going to spend every day between now and election day building a wide coalition of supporters that includes Republicans, independents and even disaffected Democrats…”

    A recent Trafalgar Group survey found incumbent Democrat Senator Maggie Hassan leading Bolduc by a tiny margin of 48% to Bolduc’s 45%, showing that the race remains tight and Hassan vulnerable.

    It is hoped that Gabbard’s independence, star quality and strong support can help propel Gen. Bolduc over the finish lion to victory. Let’s pray that it does.

    Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Great America News Desk.

    Sen. Hawley Endorses Kari Lake

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      Kari Lake speaking with supporters at a "Stand for Freedom" rally at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. [Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons]

      Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake just scored a major endorsement.

      According to The Daily Caller, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley (R) is reportedly planning to endorse Lake on Monday for U.S. Senate.

      “I am proud to endorse Kari Lake for Senate in Arizona. Kari is a proven conservative outsider and fighter who will deliver border security and economic security for Arizonans,” Hawley told the Caller.

      Hawley said Lake would be the perfect candidate to shake things up in Washington and defeat her Democratic opponent, Rep. Ruben Gallego. The senator also said she will deliver on border security and economic security for Arizonans.

      The Arizona Republican, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022, is heavily favored to win the GOP primary. 

      “Senator Hawley is a proven America First fighter. I am thrilled to have his endorsement for Senate in Arizona. I look forward to working with him to Save America from the Far-Left,” Lake told the Caller in response to Hawley’s endorsement.

      Lake has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Indiana Rep. Jim Banks and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has also endorsed Lake.

      Cook Political rates the Arizona Senate as a toss-up.

      Trump White House Lawyer Predicts What Will Land Him In Jail

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        Image via Pixabay

        Is Donald Trump headed to the big house?

        Former Trump Administration White House lawyer,  Ty Cobb said he thinks former President Trump’s “narcissism” will ultimately land him in jail.

        “I don’t think his first or second violation of the gag order will find him sent to jail, but I think ultimately, his narcissism will get the best of him,” Cobb told CNN’s Erin Burnett on Monday. “And he will violate it until he finds out what the limits of Judge Chutkan’s patience are.”

        Cobb served as a lawyer for the Trump administration from July 2017 until May 2018.

        The former White House attorney also predicted the court will uphold Judge Tanya Chutkan’s limited gag order in the former president’s federal election interference case. On Monday, a three-judge panel considered Trump’s attempt to halt the gag order imposed in the case. 

        Burnett suggested that if Trump were to violate the gag order, he could spend a night or two in jail. Cobb said “that’s exactly right.”

        The judges asked skeptical and aggressive questions of attorneys on both sides while they were deciding whether to put back in place the gag order, The Associated Press noted.

        “The judges were frustrated with both sides a little today because of the vagaries of, you know, their interpretation of the order and the arguments that they were making,” Cobb said in response. “But in the end … I think this task boils down to using that, you know, scalpel skillfully to demonstrate what target or targeting actually means and … what areas of speech are actually being circumscribed by the need to avoid undermining the integrity of the judicial process.”

        “I think that task is well within the capability of these judges and Judge Chutkan,” he added.

        Special Prosecutor Assigned To Trump 2020 Election Case

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        President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud at the Royal Court Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

        A new twist has emerged in the Fulton County election interference case against President Donald Trump. On Friday, a special prosecutor was appointed to replace embattled District Attorney Fani Willis (D), who was disqualified after a court found her romantic relationship with a top prosecutor created an appearance of impropriety.

        Peter Skandalakis, executive director of Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council (PAC), announced that after failing to find another willing candidate, he would step in personally to oversee the case.

        “Several prosecutors were contacted and, while all were respectful and professional, each declined the appointment,” Skandalakis said in a statement. “Out of respect for their privacy and professional discretion, I will not identify those prosecutors or disclose their reasons for declining.”

        The move came just as a judge-imposed deadline loomed for PAC to name a new prosecutor—or risk seeing the entire case dismissed.

        Skandalakis explained that while “it would have been simple” to let the deadline expire, he believed “that was not the right course of action,” citing the public’s interest in ensuring the matter is resolved properly.

        The Georgia court’s decision to remove Willis cast major doubt on the future of the case, which accuses Trump and several allies of racketeering and other charges related to challenging the 2020 election results. Trump and most of his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty, maintaining that they did nothing wrong in questioning the outcome of the election. Four others accepted plea deals.

        With Willis out, Skandalakis now has full discretion over whether to continue pursuing the case or to drop the charges entirely.

        “My only objective is to ensure that this case is handled properly, fairly, and with full transparency—discharging my duties without fear, favor, or affection,” he said.

        This isn’t the first time Skandalakis has been involved in a high-profile matter stemming from Willis’s conduct. After she was previously barred from investigating Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) due to her involvement in a political fundraiser against him, Skandalakis also took over—and ultimately declined to bring charges.

        Citing that past experience, he said his familiarity with similar issues makes him the best candidate to take over the Trump case.

        The original indictment accused Trump and more than a dozen associates of an “unlawful conspiracy” to challenge President Biden’s 2020 victory in Georgia. The case is one of several politically charged prosecutions targeting Trump during his campaign to return to the White House—the first criminal cases ever brought against a then-former U.S. president.

        Trump was previously convicted in New York on business record charges tied to a 2016 hush money payment. Meanwhile, his two federal prosecutions—for alleged election interference and mishandling classified documents—were dismissed following his reelection to a second term.

        PAC officials had confirmed as late as Thursday that no replacement had been found, suggesting the decision came together quickly.

        On Monday, Skandalakis addressed Trump’s recent presidential pardons for several allies charged in the Georgia case, saying his office had “diligently” worked on the matter since Willis’s removal and would continue to do so “without being influenced by matters outside the scope of our assigned task.”

        He also clarified that Trump’s pardons apply only to federal charges, not state cases.

        “Therefore, the task before my office remains unchanged,” Skandalakis said.

        Former Bravo Star Says Trump Voters Need to be Banned from Mexican Restaurants in Profane Rant

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        President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

        Former Bravo reality TV star Jennifer Welch went on an expletive-filled rant demanding people who voted for President Donald Trump three times be banned from Mexican and Chinese restaurants on Thursday.

        “I’ve had it with White people that triple Trumped that have the nerve and the audacity to walk into a Mexican restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, an Indian restaurant, go to perhaps their gay hairdresser,” Welch commented on her podcast “I’ve Had It.”

        She recalled an instance of seeing “MAGA-looking people” at a Mexican restaurant and said they had “a lot of f—ing nerve” given the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

        “Frankly, I don’t think you should be able to enjoy anything but Cracker Barrel,” Welch said. “If you want to triple Trump, if you want to browbeat DEI, if you want to browbeat gay people, you want to browbeat Black people, as you have been doing for four hundred years. And you want to browbeat this generation of immigrants that come over here and open up business earnestly and pay their taxes.”

        Welch continued by attacking Trump as a “teeny-weeny mushroom c— piece of s— Cankles McTaco Tits.”

        She added, “White people that triple Trumped should be banned, boycotted from enjoying the best thing that America has to offer, which is multiculturalism. Get your fat a– out of the Mexican restaurant. Get your fat a– over to Cracker Barrel because nobody wants to see your f—ing smug a– teeny-weeny, pink arm, big gut around. Nobody wants to see that s—. No one.”

        Her co-host Angie “Pumps” Sullivan said she “completely” agreed and went one step further by attacking female Trump voters.

        “I want you to give up a credit card in your name,” Sullivan said. “I want you to give up the bank account in your name. And I want you to be completely beholden to a man. I don’t want you to work. I want you to stay home and make cornflakes from scratch for that f—er because that’s what you’re voting for.”

        She continued, “When they’re talking about the golden age and ‘let’s make America great again,’ they’re talking about you having less rights than men, not be able to have a credit card, not being able to own anything in your own name. So, triple Trump country club Christian White women, you should have to forfeit those luxuries.”

        In a comment to Fox News, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson attacked Welch’s comments as “out of touch with reality” based on Trump’s “historically diverse coalition.”

        “Rich liberal white women love to pretend to be champions of diversity until they are confronted by diversity of thought. President Trump was elected by a historically diverse coalition of Americans from all races, religions, and orientations. As per usual this reality star is out of touch with reality,” Jackson said.

        Judge Sides With Trump Over 2020 Election Case Protective Order

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          Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

          On Friday, Trump’s lawyers attended a Washington, D.C. hearing before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Donald Trump’s alleged election meddling.

          In court filings, prosecutors had argued for broad rules baring Trump’s lawyers from sharing “sensitive” materials with the former president, including witness testimony to the grand jury and recordings and transcripts of Trump associates who spoke to prosecutors. Trump’s attorneys argued that the government’s request was too broad and infringed on Trump’s First Amendment rights. 

          Judge Chutkan said she was not persuaded that the government has shown all information gathered in the case would fall under the protective order. She ruled that only information designated as “sensitive” should be protected.

           “The defendant has the right to free speech, but that right is not absolute,” Chutkan said at the onset of the hearing. “Without a protective order, a party could release that info to the jury pool.” 

          Federal prosecutor Thomas Windom said Friday the restrictions were necessary to prevent the “improper dissemination of materials … including to the public.” 

          “The defendant has set forth an intention to set forth any information that they deem informative,” Windom told the judge. 

          “Defense has broadcast their strategy, and that is not to try this case in this courtroom, and your honor should address that,” he said.