Special Counsel Jack Smith Seeks Further Protections for Jurors in Election Interference Case Against Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump’s behavior on social media has prompted Special Counsel Jack Smith to file court documents seeking further protections for jurors in his election interference case against Trump. Smith cited Trump’s recent attacks on a judge and his assistant in a civil fraud case brought by New York state Attorney General Letitia James as an example of Trump’s record of using social media “in an intimidating manner.”

In the 11-page filing, Smith asked U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to allow potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire before undergoing the in-person juror selection process. If Chutkan approves the questionnaire, Smith urged the court to limit how much each party can dig into the potential jurors’ identities.

The move is part of a pattern that has emerged as Smith tussles with Trump’s attorneys in the D.C. and South Florida cases. Federal prosecutors have spent time studying how Trump has used social media to intimidate people, and Smith’s filing is an attempt to protect jurors from similar intimidation.

The filing comes as Trump continues to face legal challenges in the wake of his presidency. Trump is currently facing multiple civil and criminal investigations, including the election interference case brought by Smith. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has accused Smith of pursuing a politically motivated investigation.

The outcome of Smith’s filing is yet to be determined, but it is clear that Trump’s behavior on social media has had an impact on the legal proceedings against him. It remains to be seen how the court will respond to Smith’s request for further protections for jurors in the election interference case.