A U.S. District Judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump, Tanya Chutkan, has issued a warning regarding his public statements. The judge emphasized that Trump must comply with the court’s rules as a defendant and advised against making statements that could intimidate witnesses or influence potential jurors, even if they are vaguely worded.

During a hearing, Judge Chutkan addressed concerns raised by prosecutors about the potential negative impact of Trump’s online posts and their effect on witnesses. Prosecutors sought a protective order to prevent the public disclosure of evidence shared with Trump’s defense in preparation for the trial. They accused Trump of attempting to use government evidence to sway public opinion instead of relying on the courtroom for resolution.

In response, Trump’s legal team argued that the proposed order infringed upon his right to free speech and provided examples of his fair response to political opponents.

Judge Chutkan stated her intention to enforce a limited protective order that would prohibit the public release of “sensitive” materials, including grand jury materials. However, she denied other defense requests to broaden the scope of discovery and redefine what qualifies as sensitive materials.

The ongoing case revolves around accusations against Trump concerning the January 6 Capitol riot and his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Judge Chutkan’s warnings underscore the potential impact of Trump’s public statements on the legal proceedings and emphasize the importance of maintaining a fair and unbiased trial process.