Ok, so I ripped off the title of a classic science/science fiction film. Deal with it. Frankly, I think we might have an epic showdown (sooner rather than later) between Trump and judge Chutkan in DC Federal Court. If Trump were ANY other defendant he’d be sitting in jail awaiting his trial. However, as we know there are and always have been two separate and unequal legal systems – one which is far more lenient for the rich/powerful and one that is damned unforgiving for most of the rest of us. Trump has always known that and has used it to great advantage during his too long, miserable and hateful life.
As NPR (and others) have been reporting DC federal judge Tanya Chutkan has reinstated the gag order she put in place in DC regarding Trump’s impending trial for January 5 related offenses. Let’s backtrack a bit. Defendants in federal court in DC can in some cases be out on bail and go about their business prior the their trial. However ALL defendants have some rules attached to that pre-trial release. Those rules include not trashing the judge or the process, or making threats against others or statements intended to contaminate the jury pool. Most people have enough common sense to keep their mouths shut, and allow any criticisms to be made by their lawyers so as not to piss off the judge. Attorneys don’t want to find themselves in hot water for going too far on the courthouse steps, in part because they know EVERY judge will learn about their antics.
However, this is Trump we are talking about and we all knew he’d be Trump and say and do all manner of stuff that broke the rules. So judge Chutkan imposed a fairly limited gag order. The judge didn’t limit Trump from criticizing the Biden administration, or even herself. But, as with any other defendant trashing court staff, prosecutors, witnesses and jurors was a huge no-no. Still, Trump whined like a toddler and to no one’s surprise said he’d appeal. Judge Chutkan called for motions from both sides about the original gag order, then being a fairer person than I am chose to stay its effect until the DC Court of Appeals had ruled on the matter. Again, Trump is Trump and he went out of control. As a result, yesterday evening judge Chutkan said “Enough” and put the gag order back in place.
The immediate question everyone had was how long it would take Trump violates the re-imposed gag order. As Ursula wrote on PZ last night it seems he already has! You and I both know even if that didn’t do it plenty more is coming from Trump and it won’t just cross the line but obliterate it. All that puts the judge in a unique position. Frankly, the ONLY thing that will shut him up entirely is sitting in a jail cell without his electronic devices until he appears in court for trial. Anything less will at best ratchet down his antics to a manageable level.
So I found myself asking what might “anything less” look like? We can see the paltry fines the judge in the NY civil trial don’t mean jack to Trump. I’m not sure even a hundred thousand bucks either there or in DC would do the trick. So we are I believe headed for an epic showdown, hence the title of this piece.
Trump’s innate sexism and racism you know has to be eating him alive. The judge presiding over his DC case isn’t “only” a woman, but a BLACK woman. His ego simply can’t abide that, and given how much he’s gotten away with in his life he’s not going to sit back and let judge Chutkan be the one controlling things in his DC trial. His problem is that she’s an experienced, accomplished jurist and she’s dealt with plenty of far tougher people than Donald J. Trump in her career. SHE will control things, and things are I think going to get really ugly and really fast.
So, not that she would ever learn about this or heed my suggestion here’s what I think might, maybe do the trick and get Trump dialed down from boiling to only really hot:
As I said it’s just a matter of time before Trump either says (at a rally) or posts on Truth Social that’s so far over the line the judge has no choice but to slap him down hard. When that happens she should order him to DC. The next freaking business day. If he say’s he’s “too busy” or some other crap then she can and should hold him in contempt and issue a bench warrant. She can be nice and allow the Secret Service instead of the U.S. Marshalls to serve it to Trump. IF they have to do things that way, no ride on “Trump Force One.” Nope. Drive his lard ass to the nearest base with military aircraft. In my dream scenario she should tell the Air Force or the Army to put him on a C-130 transport fitted out for hauling troops. Canvass seats and an port-o-potties for anyone that needs a “head call.” Let him sit there like some regular Soldier or Marine on what would be a fairly lengthy flight. In a canvass seat. No diet coke to drink either. He can suck on bottled water if he’s thirsty.
The judge can ream him a new one in court, and make sure he knows two things. First is that if he didn’t like the trip to DC or the ride he’ll be taking home that will be a picnic compared to what’s going to happen if he doesn’t behave himself. Second, she can right there in front of him sign an order stating his “fine” will be reimbursing the military for the cost of his flight! If he doesn’t have a credit card with a large enough limit or balance he can just sit in the jury room with his detail while someone comes up with the money.
THAT would be a journey Trump would remember. A very unpleasant “Odyssey” if you will and one he’d not want to repeat.
I still don’t think even that would be enough to get him to STFU completely, AND reign in his lawyers who he orders to engage in their own witness intimidation and jury pool tampering. However, I really do think it would dial down the temperature a great deal. Like anyone else he’d still be free to say he’s being treated unfairly, that he will be exonerated at trial and so on. Just like any other defendant. And given his position he would even be able to get away with not a “beanball” pitch at the head but a “brushback pitch” now and then. Trump doesn’t deserve even that. However, short of putting him in jail until trial I think what I’ve suggested is both feasible and would have a measurable effect.
I encourage anyone who’s read this to come up with their own suggestions.
“The judge can ream him a new one in court, and make sure he knows two things. First is that if he didn’t like the trip to DC or the ride he’ll be taking home that will be a picnic compared to what’s going to happen if he doesn’t behave himself. Second, she can right there in front of him sign an order stating his “fine” will be reimbursing the military for the cost of his flight! If he doesn’t have a credit card with a large enough limit or balance he can just sit in the jury room with his detail while someone comes up with the money.”
I would love to see this done to the orange turd!
I’m kinda favor of cremation while he’s still breathing. Feet First! But being that’s hopefully down the road, your suggestion would be a brilliant slap in his mango face.