Washington D.C., United States (TEH) – Federal prosecutors have pointed out to a judge a threatening message posted by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social, a social media platform he co-owns. The post, they claim, hints at the possibility of Trump using evidence to retaliate against witnesses in his ongoing legal battles.
Earlier on Friday, Trump made a declaration in capital letters on Truth Social, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!” Lawyers from special counsel Jack Smith’s team believe this message directly or indirectly targets individuals involved in his criminal case related to alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election, reported by the Politico.
A court filing was issued late Friday by Senior Assistant Special Counsels Molly Gaston and Thomas Windom, notifying U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan of Trump’s combative social media post. Prosecutors are concerned that Trump might improperly disseminate case evidence via his social media account and have proposed an order to prevent such actions.
Despite their concerns, Smith’s office has not sought a gag order in any of the criminal cases against Trump, one of which pertains to retaining classified documents in Florida, and the other dealing with the alleged tampering with the 2020 presidential election’s certification in Washington. The Friday night filing does not request to restrict Trump or his lawyers from discussing the D.C. case with the media or in public.
Nonetheless, if Judge Chutkan approves an order for handling evidence, prosecutors are ready to share a substantial volume of evidence with Trump. A court hearing is scheduled for August 28th to discuss setting a trial date. It remains to be seen if Trump’s post will precipitate the implementation of a protective order or the issuance of a gag order.
Trump’s social media proclamation came just a day after he affirmed in federal court that he wouldn’t attempt to influence or retaliate against witnesses or obstruct justice in his case. Though his post did not specifically mention any witnesses or court personnel, Trump has a history of using his social media platform to criticize prosecutors and judges involved in his legal predicaments.
At the time of writing, Trump’s legal team has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
