Who Makes The Definitions…

The irony of Trump's team getting their preferred version of the protective order is that Judge Chutkan is now designating a lot of stuff as sensitive under that order. So they won the battle but are losing the war.

— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) August 11, 2023

...controls the outcome. Like this:

I have thought this from the moment Trump used social media last week to scare witnesses against him. It just makes the need for a speedy trial even greater. https://t.co/NTfKWtO9Y6

— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) August 11, 2023

What is an “inflammatory statement”? What the judge says it is.

The word of the Trump hearing today: yield.

Came up six times, as in:

"the fact that he's running a political campaign currently has to yield to the orderly administration of justice."

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 11, 2023

Oh, the importance of words.

Comer claims they were right at that point where they “traced it” to President Biden but Garland foiled their plans by appointing a special counsel pic.twitter.com/szIwBCIpZO

— Acyn (@Acyn) August 12, 2023

Off topic, but I recognize the “Scooby-Doo” defense: “if not for those meddling kids.” This is what they’re going to get an impeachment investigation on?

Quick Biden folks, make this into a campaign ad: https://t.co/Frcq5os6AP

— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) August 12, 2023

Well, since we lost the topic: Trump just lost the young, white girl vote.

Bolling: You spent a lot of time with Joe Biden. Did you find him as corrupt as he is now?

Graham: To be honest with you. He was a friend. I traveled the world with him. All this stuff blows me away.. This is a side I didn't know much about pic.twitter.com/CZJcXIwE3y

— Acyn (@Acyn) August 12, 2023

"And a follow up: when did you stop beating…er…your self?”

Giuliani: They’ve done every illegal and unethical thing you can possibly do pic.twitter.com/537I1zv7Cx

— Acyn (@Acyn) August 12, 2023

“Takes one to know one?”  “Projection is a cruel mistress?” “Should you really be commenting on this topic, CC 1?”

shot, chaser pic.twitter.com/EhsXxh9Ibv

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 12, 2023

Reality is a fungible good.

Before long, it will be glaringly evident that the problem isn't that Trump would accurately publicize sensitive info he's forbidden to discuss; the problem is he'll take random nuggets and reframe them, falsely, to use as ammo. A gag order will be the only way to prevent this.

— Elizabeth de la Vega (@Delavegalaw) August 12, 2023

I think the judge called Trump’s bluff. He can test the limits of a gag order, almost without consequence. But if he tests the judge’s willingness to set a trial date, she can legitimately move the trial to October (Speedy Trial Act calls for trial within 70 days of arraignment), or even earlier. Every time Trump tests the limits, he shortens that time period. That may be the most effective deterrent available. There is no “But muh first amendment!” response available.

He literally holds the trial date in his hands; and mouth. It’s like he controls the means of his execution. And every time he fucks around, he’s gonna find out.

The judge has defined the terms of his responsibilities. It’s the most effective restraint imaginable.