Trump’s Georgia Trial To Be Broadcast Live For Public Viewing

In a Thursday ruling, Judge Scott McAfee of the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, announced that the trial of former President Donald Trump, along with his 18 co-defendants, will be accessible to the public through live streaming on the Fulton County Courts’ YouTube Channel. 

Donald Trump’s Georgia trial will be live streamed on the Fulton County Court’s YouTube channel. https://t.co/ymD6ZAHnTj

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 31, 2023

This decision comes after Trump pleaded not guilty to the 13 felony charges levied against him in connection with alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

McAfee emphasized that the use of electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops, during the trial proceedings “will not disrupt the administration of justice.” The court order clearly stated that “all parties and spectators are allowed to use recording devices,” ensuring that the public can follow the trial closely.

On the same day, Trump, in a notable move, waived his right to appear at his upcoming arraignment scheduled for Sept. 6. In the filing, he stated, “Understanding my rights, I do hereby freely and voluntarily waive my right to be present at my arraignment on the Indictment and my right to have it read to me in open court.” 

Trump also pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges brought against him, in accordance with his consistent claims of innocence.

Additionally, the former president moved to separate his case from co-defendants who had requested a speedy trial, citing concerns about his rights to a fair trial and due process of law.

This case arose from a 41-count indictment against Trump and his 18 co-defendants as prosecutors allege that they tried to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election. The charges include various counts such as Conspiracy to Commit False Statements, Solicitation of Violation of Oath by Public Officer, Conspiracy to Commit Impersonating a Public Officer, Violation of the Georgia RICO Act, and more. 

Notable figures among the co-defendants include former Trump lawyer and New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, Trump former lawyer Sidney Powell, and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

The decision to broadcast this trial is historic, as it marks the first instance of a current or former U.S. president’s trial being televised. The case would also be the only televised one among the 2024 presidential candidate’s four indictments, given that federal and New York courts, where he faces other charges, do not permit cameras inside courtrooms.