(DCWatchdog.com) – BREAKING NOW: A U.S. federal judge has ordered former President Donald Trump stopped from sharing evidence and classified information in his ongoing court case regarding the mishandling of classified documents.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, who approved a search warrant for Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort last year, ruled in favor of the Justice Department just moments ago. The ruling came after special counsel Jack Smith’s team asked for the evidence to be kept confidential during the discovery process when both sides in a criminal case gather and share information before the trial.
The judge stated that Trump and his co-defendant, Walt Nauta, cannot reveal the evidence to anyone other than those directly involved in their defense or potential witnesses. They are only permitted to view the evidence under the direct supervision of their defense counsel.
Judge Reinhart emphasized that violating this protective order could result in severe penalties, such as being held in contempt of court or facing other legal consequences.
Last week, Trump was charged with 37 counts of allegedly mishandling classified materials at his Florida estate, making him the first former president to face such charges.
The prosecutors accuse Trump of persistently refusing to surrender these materials, including classified documents about America’s defenses and nuclear capabilities, to the National Archives.
Smith requested this protective order last Friday. He argued that the evidence should stay confidential for the time being due to the ongoing investigation into the documents, which could result in more arrests. He said, “The materials also include information pertaining to ongoing investigations, the disclosure of which could compromise those investigations and identify uncharged individuals,” according to the Justice Department.
This is not the first time Trump has been issued a protective order.
A similar order was issued in New York last month in a different case related to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors were worried that Trump might share evidence on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he often discusses his legal problems.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS REPORT FROM THE DC WATCHDOG.
