Trump Should Cut Out The Middleman

 As I was saying:

At one point, when the Lauro was arguing that Trump has a right to disparage Smith, Judge Chutkan interrupted him and noted that she really didn't think his arguments were being made to her on legal grounds, "Obviously, you have an audience other than me in mind" when making this particular argument.

Because Lauro is just making a very expensive Trump argument:

Judge Chutkan then addressed Trump's comments abouts potential witnesses. She noted comments Trump made about Mike Pence, Bill Barr, and noted that he recently threatened Mark Milley with execution, reading Trump's Truth Social post aloud in court. Chutkan then noted that Trump should have more freedom to criticize Pence since he is currently running against him, but not the others involved. 

Lauro then argued that the government can't necessarily say that the targets of Trump's threats felt intimidated since they didn't present any affidavits from them saying that they felt they were. He also argued that they should be able to handle it because they have been involved in politics for years, "They give as good as they get." Chutkan seemed incredulous, "Really? Are you saying they said Trump should be executed?"

To be honest, I posted this as an excuse to include this, for all the literary and history nerds out there:

Judge Chutkan says a defendant's criticisms of a prosecutor can eventually cross the line. References Henry II's infamous line about Thomas Beckett.

Chutkan: "If you call someone a thug enough times, Mr. Lauro, doesn't that suggest that someone should get them off the streets?" 

And a little later that same hour:

Judge Chutkan: "Why is appropriate to write in all caps 'DEATH' about a potential witness in this case?"

Lauro (paraphrased): It's true that treason is punishable by death.

Chutkan: "That's right up to 'won't someone rid me of this meddlesome priest.'"

I'm surprised Lauro didn't shoot back that Becket would have benefitted from First Amendment protections, which is why "America! Fuck yeah!!!"

Oh, wait, is that NOT MAGA's slogan?  I coulda sworn it was....