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Trump’s social media attacks bring warnings of potential legal consequences

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1 year ago

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Washington — Across former President Donald Trump’s four years in the White House, he frequently took to social media to level sharp attacks against his critics and political opponents.

But as the former president and leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination navigates four different criminal cases brought against him, Trump could now face consequences for his online denunciations if they bump up against the agreed-upon conditions that allowed for his release before the trials begin. The restrictions in his two federal cases imposed by magistrate judges and the state case in Fulton County, Georgia, signed by a judge there warn against intimidating people involved in the matters, such as co-defendants, witnesses, jurors or officers of the court.

“He is doing harm to himself by posting these messages,” Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor who now works as a defense attorney, told CBS News. “Not only is he risking violations of these court orders and fines and even jail time because of that, he is risking the outcome of these criminal cases.”

The former president is facing a total of 91 counts across the four prosecutions — two in state courts and two in federal courts — brought against him since late March. Trump has denied wrongdoing in each of his cases and instead has blamed federal and local prosecutors for mounting politically charged “witch hunts” that he says aim to derail his 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump has most recently trained his social media ire on special counsel Jack Smith, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Smith has brought federal charges against Trump in two cases: the first over his handling of sensitive government records recovered from his South Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago; and the second over alleged attempts to thwart the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election, which is being overseen by Chutkan in Washington, D.C. Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases.

Willis, meanwhile, spent two years investigating Trump over alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, and brought a sprawling racketeering case against the former president and 18 others last week. Trump is charged with 13 counts, and he has yet to be arraigned.

Trump’s pretrial release conditions in Washington, D.C., prohibit him from communicating about the facts of his federal case with any person known to be a witness, except through his attorneys, and warn in part that it is a crime to obstruct a criminal investigation or intimidate a “witness, victim, juror, informant, or officer of the court.”

But in the wake of his indictment and arraignment, Trump has taken to his social media website Truth Social to call Chutkan “very biased & unfair” and Smith “deranged.” He has also continued to lambast his vice president, Mike Pence, who rebuffed the former president’s calls for him to unilaterally toss out state electoral votes or delay the certification of the 2020 election results.

“I never told a newly emboldened (not based on his 2% poll numbers!) Pence to put me above the Constitution, or that Mike was ‘too honest,'” Trump wrote on Aug. 5, referencing allegations contained in the charging document. “He’s delusional, and now he wants to show he’s a tough guy.”

In April, Pence testified before the grand jury impaneled as part of special counsel Smith’s investigation into the events surrounding the 2020 election, and the indictment revealed that the former vice president kept contemporaneous notes about his conversations with Trump.

At least one of Trump’s posts, from Aug. 4, garnered the attention of federal prosecutors on Smith’s team. In a filing to Chutkan requesting a protective order governing the disclosure of discovery material, the Justice Department lawyers included an image of the message “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!” posted by the former president on Truth Social.

In an Aug. 11 hearing, Chutkan warned Trump’s lawyers that there are limits to what their client can say and reminded them of the conditions of his release while awaiting trial.

“Your client’s defense is supposed to happen in this courtroom, not on the internet,” she said. More “inflammatory” statements about the case would increase her urgency in bringing the case to trial to protect the pool of prospective jurors, the judge said.

“I will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings,” Chutkan said.

Some lawyers believe that if Trump were not a former president and candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, he would already have faced severe consequences for his online comments.

“If he was Donald Smith, he would be in jail right now,” said Gene Rossi, a former federal prosecutor. “The argument that we’re treating him unfairly is baloney.”

Repercussions Trump could face for his online comments include fines, a finding of contempt or revoking his bond if he’s found to violate his release conditions, Rossi said. The judge could also impose a gag order that restricts the former president from talking about his case in public if he continues to run afoul of the rules governing his release.

Judges “have wide discretion in issuing orders that protect the integrity of the legal process, to protect what happens in the courtroom when that jury is empaneled and evidence is presented,” Rossi said. “Those priorities far outweigh the de minimis effect on his First Amendment rights.”

While Trump can publicly declare his innocence and denounce the charges against him as “baloney,” he can’t “bash a witness that’s been listed. He doesn’t have the right to go to a rally and read grand jury transcripts. He doesn’t have that right, period,” Rossi said.

Still, Trump’s lawyers face a tall task in reining in his social media comments, Krissoff said, as there is a “long history of people trying to quiet him, and he can’t be quieted.”

Indeed, the former president’s lawyers seem to recognize the difficulties of limiting their client’s public criticisms of his prosecutions and those involved.

“With President Trump, because of the campaign and I would say because of his personality, it’s impossible for him not to speak out on the issues. So it does present unique circumstances,” John Lauro, who is representing Trump in the federal case involving the 2020 election, said in an episode of the podcast “For the Defense with David Oscar Markus” published Aug. 6.

Lauro did not return a request for comment. One Trump legal team source said in June that they were concerned about even basic protective order restrictions, because “we were worried that if Trump isn’t allowed to talk about the evidence, he’ll just do it anyway.”

Amplifying concerns about the impacts of Trump’s rhetoric on social media is the arrest of a Texas woman who left a threatening voicemail for Chutkan on Aug. 5. saying, in part, “You are in our sights. We want to kill you,” according to a criminal complaint.

The woman called Chutkan, who is Black, a racial slur and warned, “If Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly b***h,” according to the filing.

“It is not speculation for Judge Chutkan to conclude that vitriolic social posts by the president of the United States can rile up his supporters who have drunk the Kool-Aid and think that everything’s a witch hunt and there’s the deep state. She already has evidence that this could lead to death threats against me, Judge Chutkan,” Rossi said. “So he has to be very careful that there isn’t a hearing to show cause as to why she should either revoke his bond, severely limit his bond, or hold him in contempt and put even more stringent responsibilities on his attorneys.”

While the limits imposed in his federal case in Washington generally prohibit the intimidation of witnesses, victims, or officers of the court, the conditions agreed to by Trump’s lawyers and Willis in Fulton County specifically mention posts to social media. As part of the consent bond order negotiated earlier this week, the former president is barred from intimidating or making “direct or indirect” threats against any of his 18 codefendants, witnesses, or alleged victims, including through social media posts or sharing others’ content online.

Before the grand jury returned the 41-count indictment on Aug. 14, the former president took aim at Geoff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia, and said he “shouldn’t” testify before the panel.

“I barely know him but he was, right from the beginning of this Witch Hunt, a nasty disaster for those looking into the Election Fraud that took place in Georgia,” Trump wrote, calling Duncan a “loser.”

He called Willis “crooked, incompetent & highly partisan” in a Truth Social post Monday, and a “Radical left, lowlife district attorney” in a message on the platform Thursday, before he surrendered to authorities in Fulton County and was booked on 13 charges in the election case.

Steven Sadow, Trump’s lawyer in the Fulton County case, declined to comment when asked whether he’s concerned Trump’s public statements or social media posts could lead to judicial repercussions, telling CBS News in an email “my work will be done in court.”

Krissoff, the defense attorney, noted that all of Trump’s online statements can be used against him and possibly harm his case.

“He’s trying to walk the line between challenging the witnesses and challenging the case against him, challenging the prosecutors, but not outwardly trying to influence their actions,” she said. “But some of the posts that have already hit, it could certainly be inferred as threats or witness intimidation or efforts at obstruction. As time goes on, if there’s a pattern of those, then the inference gets even stronger.”

There is a risk new obstruction charges related to his recent conduct could be brought, Krissoff said.

“Your First Amendment rights are not unfettered. You can’t commit a crime with your words or encourage others to commit a crime. There’s a lot of things you can’t say in public,” she said. “It gets muddier when you’re in the midst of an election, but I think we may have a civics lesson on our hands for what are the outer edges of permissible speech here, because I think he really pushes the boundaries.”

Graham Kates contributed to this article.

 

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

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Trump Media & Technology Group Faces Declining Stock Amid Financial Struggles and Increased Competition

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3 weeks ago

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August 20, 2024

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Tech News in Canada

Trump Media & Technology Group’s stock has taken a significant hit, dropping more than 11% this week following a disappointing earnings report and the return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the rival social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This decline is part of a broader downward trend for the parent company of Truth Social, with the stock plummeting nearly 43% since mid-July. Despite the sharp decline, some investors remain unfazed, expressing continued optimism for the company’s financial future or standing by their investment as a show of political support for Trump.

One such investor, Todd Schlanger, an interior designer from West Palm Beach, explained his commitment to the stock, stating, “I’m a Republican, so I supported him. When I found out about the stock, I got involved because I support the company and believe in free speech.” Schlanger, who owns around 1,000 shares, is a regular user of Truth Social and is excited about the company’s future, particularly its plans to expand its streaming services. He believes Truth Social has the potential to be as strong as Facebook or X, despite the stock’s recent struggles.

However, Truth Social’s stock performance is deeply tied to Trump’s political influence and the company’s ability to generate sustainable revenue, which has proven challenging. An earnings report released last Friday showed the company lost over $16 million in the three-month period ending in June. Revenue dropped by 30%, down to approximately $836,000 compared to $1.2 million during the same period last year.

In response to the earnings report, Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes emphasized the company’s strong cash position, highlighting $344 million in cash reserves and no debt. He also reiterated the company’s commitment to free speech, stating, “From the beginning, it was our intention to make Truth Social an impenetrable beachhead of free speech, and by taking extraordinary steps to minimize our reliance on Big Tech, that is exactly what we are doing.”

Despite these assurances, investors reacted negatively to the quarterly report, leading to a steep drop in stock price. The situation was further complicated by Trump’s return to X, where he posted for the first time in a year. Trump’s exclusivity agreement with Trump Media & Technology Group mandates that he posts personal content first on Truth Social. However, he is allowed to make politically related posts on other social media platforms, which he did earlier this week, potentially drawing users away from Truth Social.

For investors like Teri Lynn Roberson, who purchased shares near the company’s peak after it went public in March, the decline in stock value has been disheartening. However, Roberson remains unbothered by the poor performance, saying her investment was more about supporting Trump than making money. “I’m way at a loss, but I am OK with that. I am just watching it for fun,” Roberson said, adding that she sees Trump’s return to X as a positive move that could expand his reach beyond Truth Social’s “echo chamber.”

The stock’s performance holds significant financial implications for Trump himself, as he owns a 65% stake in Trump Media & Technology Group. According to Fortune, this stake represents a substantial portion of his net worth, which could be vulnerable if the company continues to struggle financially.

Analysts have described Truth Social as a “meme stock,” similar to companies like GameStop and AMC that saw their stock prices driven by ideological investments rather than business fundamentals. Tyler Richey, an analyst at Sevens Report Research, noted that the stock has ebbed and flowed based on sentiment toward Trump. He pointed out that the recent decline coincided with the rise of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, which may have dampened perceptions of Trump’s 2024 election prospects.

Jay Ritter, a finance professor at the University of Florida, offered a grim long-term outlook for Truth Social, suggesting that the stock would likely remain volatile, but with an overall downward trend. “What’s lacking for the true believer in the company story is, ‘OK, where is the business strategy that will be generating revenue?'” Ritter said, highlighting the company’s struggle to produce a sustainable business model.

Still, for some investors, like Michael Rogers, a masonry company owner in North Carolina, their support for Trump Media & Technology Group is unwavering. Rogers, who owns over 10,000 shares, said he invested in the company both as a show of support for Trump and because of his belief in the company’s financial future. Despite concerns about the company’s revenue challenges, Rogers expressed confidence in the business, stating, “I’m in it for the long haul.”

Not all investors are as confident. Mitchell Standley, who made a significant return on his investment earlier this year by capitalizing on the hype surrounding Trump Media’s planned merger with Digital World Acquisition Corporation, has since moved on. “It was basically just a pump and dump,” Standley told ABC News. “I knew that once they merged, all of his supporters were going to dump a bunch of money into it and buy it up.” Now, Standley is staying away from the company, citing the lack of business fundamentals as the reason for his exit.

Truth Social’s future remains uncertain as it continues to struggle with financial losses and faces stiff competition from established social media platforms. While its user base and investor sentiment are bolstered by Trump’s political following, the company’s long-term viability will depend on its ability to create a sustainable revenue stream and maintain relevance in a crowded digital landscape.

As the company seeks to stabilize, the question remains whether its appeal to Trump’s supporters can translate into financial success or whether it will remain a volatile stock driven more by ideology than business fundamentals.

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