Trump rants on Truth Social immediately after judge issues protective order
Former President Donald Trump made a virtual appearance in court Tuesday, where he was asked to agree not to attack the witnesses in the New York Stormy Daniels case.
"Mr. Trump, do you have a copy of that protective order?" the judge asked.
Trump replied: "Yes, I do."
His lawyer, Todd Blanche, then confirmed that he had read the order and had "discussed it at length" with Trump.
"Because President Trump is running for president of the United States…he very much is concerned that his first amendment rights are being violated by this protective order," said Blanche. He also said that he had explained to Trump it wasn't a "gag order,'" according Politico legal reporter Erica Orde.
Trump took the last piece of information seriously, immediately taking to his personal social media site to rant about the hearing and saying that he has a First Amendment right to attack whomever he wants, regardless of whether or not they are a witness in a trial.
"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. It’s called ELECTION INTERFERENCE, and nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before!!!"
The protective order is similar to what courts have done before in mob cases where a witness fears for their safety if they agree to testify.
On Monday, Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, said that he doesn't think Trump will be able to abide by the order.
Trump "gets blinded by his anger" in situations like this, he said.