Summary:
- The Justice Department wants to restrict former President Trump's public comments on the January 6th case.
- Prosecutors are concerned Trump might share pretrial evidence and make public statements about individuals involved in legal proceedings against him.
- Republican rivals are starting to express criticism and distancing themselves from the pro-Trump base.
- Former Vice President Mike Pence has no plans to testify against Trump.
- Special counsel Jack Smith wants the legal proceedings to move forward without delay.
The Justice Department is engaged in a legal showdown with former President Donald Trump, requesting the judge in the January 6th proceedings to restrict Trump's public comments about the case.
Threatening Message on Social Media
Justice department officials are asking the judge in the January 6th proceedings to limit what Trump can say about the case. A CBS2's Christina Rafini reports this all comes after a threatening message on social media by the former president.Prosecutors' Concerns
Government prosecutors for the 2020 election interference case also asked a federal judge for a protective order to limit what Trump can say publicly about the proceedings. They cited concerns Trump might share pretrial evidence and his history of making public statements regarding individuals involved in legal proceedings against him.Rhetoric Directed at Special Counsel
Trump has already directed his rhetoric at the special counsel heading the federal investigations. His campaign has even launched a new ad targeting officials leading Trump-related investigations in New York, Florida, Georgia, and D.C.Republican Rivals Expressing Criticism
Republican rivals, who have been hesitant to criticize the party's pro-Trump base, have been inching closer to questioning the former president's actions. Former vice president Mike Pence was asked in an interview if he would testify against Trump but stated he had no plans to testify.Special Counsel's Response
Special counsel Jack Smith responded to Pence's statement, asking the judge not to grant the delay and asserting that the government is ready to move forward.Legal Roadblocks
The legal proceedings involving Trump have become complex, with multiple criminal prosecutions he is facing. Despite the legal challenges, the former president remains undeterred in voicing his opinions.Conclusion
The ongoing legal battle between the Justice Department and former President Donald Trump highlights the tensions surrounding his public comments on the January 6th case and other investigations. As prosecutors seek to limit his statements, Trump's rhetoric continues to stir controversy and draw attention to the legal proceedings he faces.Christina Rafini, CBS News, Washington.