The judge who will oversee Donald Trump’s arraignment on Tuesday says that cameras are a no-no in the courtroom and the courthouse. In fact, reporters won’t even be allowed to use their cellphones and other electronic equipment inside the courthouse, per an order from the chief district judge of the Florida federal court. Meanwhile, Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman, who will preside over the arraignment, has rejected a media coalition request for limited camera access before the proceedings, as well as to make audio available afterward. There will be an overflow room with a video feed, but reporters will have to run outside the courthouse to provide any updates on what is happening inside.
Hour after hour on Tuesday, the story occupied the full attention of broadcast and cable news networks. They waited for glimpses of Trump’s face to interpret his expression, followed his motorcade’s movements from the air, speculated on how it must feel to be arrested. The coverage recalled better days for now-struggling cable news outlets, through two presidential campaigns and two impeachment trials, when Trump occupied hours of air time. Consumers eagerly followed along, the way they haven’t for many stories since. Pictured: Fox News coverage of former President Donald Trump’s Manhattan courthouse appearance is seen on a video monitor as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Tuesday, April 4. (Patrick Semansky/AP)
Despite recent criticism, the network’s star personalities joined other leading conservatives in denouncing the indictment as politically motivated and a possible cause for unrest.
The news of the indictment of former President Trump immediately took over cable news channels and the country’s main broadcast networks on Thursday.
