House Democrats Call for Televising Trump’s Federal Trials
About three dozen House Democrats, led by Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), are urging for the televising of the federal trials of former President Donald Trump on charges related to the 2020 election and the retention of classified documents. In a letter to Judge Roslynn Mauskopf, who oversees the administration of federal courts, the lawmakers argued that public acceptance of the outcome would be bolstered by televising the trials.
The letter, dated Thursday, stated, “Given the historic nature of the charges brought forth in these cases, it is hard to imagine a more powerful circumstance for televised proceedings. If the public is to fully accept the outcome, it will be vitally important for it to witness, as directly as possible, how the trials are conducted, the strength of the evidence adduced, and the credibility of witnesses.”
While cameras are commonly allowed in state and local courtrooms, they are generally not permitted in federal courtrooms. The Judicial Conference of the United States, the policymaking body for the courts, has allowed some pilot programs in recent years focused on civil cases. However, lawmakers from both parties have been unsuccessful in pushing for legislation that would enable more transparency.
During the pandemic, court policies were relaxed, with federal courts using Zoom for hearings and live-streaming audio of oral arguments. A lawyer for Trump has also expressed a desire for the expected trial on 2020 election-related charges to be televised. Last month, Trump attorney John Lauro stated in an interview with Fox News, “I would hope that the Department of Justice would join in that effort so that we can take the curtain away and all Americans can see what’s happening.”
However, the prospects of televised proceedings remain uncertain. A spokesman for the special counsel declined to comment on the matter, and the federal district court in Washington, where Trump is expected to be tried on election-related charges, has never allowed cameras.
Opponents of cameras in the courtroom argue that they can disrupt proceedings, intimidate witnesses, and compromise judges’ and jurors’ anonymity. Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, a group advocating for more openness and accountability from federal courts, believes televising the Trump trials would be beneficial, stating, “More access to primary sources is always a positive thing.” However, Roth acknowledges that the chances of it happening are slim because the decision-makers in the Judicial Conference of the United States are not typically individuals who appreciate the widespread use of video.
Trump pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on charges related to the 2020 election. He also faces a federal trial scheduled for May in Florida for the classified documents case. The lawmakers’ letter emphasizes the importance of access to accurate and reliable information surrounding these cases due to their extraordinary national significance and the need for transparency.
The letter was signed by Democrats such as Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, who chaired the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, as well as Reps. Jamie B. Raskin (Md.) and Zoe Lofgren (Calif.). Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), who also signed the letter, has previously introduced legislation that would allow Supreme Court proceedings to be televised.
It remains to be seen whether the request for televising the trials will be granted, as courts tend to change policies at a slow pace.