Trump Judge Turns Trial Into Media Circus

The Georgia judge overseeing the unprecedented case against former President Donald Trump and 18 others has opened his courtroom to the media.

Superior Court of Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee said he would make all hearings and potential trials available for broadcast on the Fulton Count Court YouTube channel.

He will also allow broadcast news media to have “pool” cameras in the courtroom, which means groups of news organizations will have to combine their resources and share camera access.

McAfee also said he would allow members of the media to use cell phones and computer devices in the courtroom for non-recording purposes such as taking notes.

The judge’s ruling is subject to change and would not apply to any of the case that is successfully moved to federal court.

Multiple defendants in the dubiously expansive state racketeering case have asked for their cases to be moved to federal court, including former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark.

Meadows and the state filed in response to a request from a judge for more information about one of the alleged acts he committed, asking if it should be moved to federal court since it involved his conduct as chief of staff.

The case is shaping up to the be only one against Trump that will be broadcast to the public.

Trump Enters Not Guilty Plea

At the same time that the judge issued his order about the media, Trump officially entered his not guilty plea.

The plea allows him to avoid appearing at an in-person arraignment next week.

He also filed a motion to separate himself from other defendants who requested a speedy trial.

At least two others said they want a trial as soon as possible, which could take place before the end of October.

However, Trump is trying to delay the trial as long as possible, potentially until after the 2024 elections.