Donald Trump’s arraignment, which is a historic event, will not be televised.
On Monday, State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan ruled that while five pool photographers will be allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom at 100 Centre St., video cameras will be limited to the hallways.
Additionally, reporters will not be allowed to bring laptops inside.
“Never in the history of the United States has a sitting or past President been indicted on criminal charges. Mr. Trump’s arraignment has generated unparalleled public interest and media attention,” he wrote in the ruling.
Various news organizations, had requested full media coverage of the arraignment, which is believed to be related to Donald Trump’s payment of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels regarding a sexual encounter he denies. The former president intends to enter a plea of not guilty on Tuesday.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office remained neutral on the issue of media access. However, Trump’s legal team opposed the news organizations’ request, stating that it would generate a “circus-like atmosphere,” raise security concerns, and go against President Trump’s presumption of innocence.
Trump believes “the heightened media presence will ‘inevitably result in prejudice,’” his lawyers added.
Merchan noted “that this indictment involves a matter of monumental significance.”
“Unfortunately, although genuine and undoubtedly important, the interests of the News Organizations must be weighed against competing interests,” he wrote.