Jack Smith, a lawyer representing one of the witnesses in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, requested that the judge overseeing the trial block Trump from making any “partisan political attacks” during the proceedings. Smith asked that the presiding judge “clarify that the President and his counsel may not use the trial as an opportunity to engage in partisan political attacks.” He argued that allowing Trump to make such attacks could prejudice the jury against his client and the other witnesses by implying that a negative outcome for Trump is the correct. Smith also requested that the judge have “greater control and oversight” over the proceedings “to ensure that the process is not used by the President and his counsel as a platform to generate and/or influence negative public opinion.” His request is in line with the recent rules set out by Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell that will govern the trial.
