Former President Trump’s recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, has once again ignited controversy and raised concerns. In response to Trump’s statement, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested a protective order from a federal judge in Washington, D.C. This move aims to limit what Trump and his legal team can disclose publicly about the ongoing case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.

Prosecutors have argued for the necessity of a protective order in this case. They expressed concern over Trump’s previous social media posts targeting individuals associated with legal matters pending against him. According to the Associated Press, prosecutors stated that the protective order is crucial to prevent any potential harm to witnesses or the fair administration of justice.

The proposed protective order would restrict Trump and his legal team from sharing materials provided by the government with anyone other than approved individuals. This would include Trump’s legal team, possible witnesses, the witnesses’ lawyers, and other court-approved parties. The order would also impose stricter limitations on sensitive materials, such as grand jury witness testimony and sealed search warrants.

A spokesperson for Trump defended his social media post, claiming that it falls under the realm of political speech. They stated that the post was a reaction to what they described as “dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.” However, the spokesperson denied that the post was in reference to the ongoing criminal case.

Trump was indicted by a Washington, D.C. grand jury earlier this week on four counts. These charges include conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to impede an official proceeding, obstructing and impeding the certification of the electoral vote, and conspiracy to intimidate voters.

If convicted on all counts, Trump could face more than 55 years in prison. The seriousness of the charges underscores the significance of the ongoing legal proceedings and the potential impact of Trump’s public statements on the case.

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who has been assigned to Trump’s criminal case, is known for her tough stance on cases related to January 6. She has sentenced every one of the 31 defendants who appeared before her to jail or prison time. Chutkan has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to upholding justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

During one sentencing, Chutkan made it clear that those involved in the Capitol riots did not act out of love for their country but rather in support of one man. Her reputation as a strict judge adds an additional layer of significance to the protective order requested by the DOJ.

Special Counsel Jack Smith has previously sought protective orders in other cases related to Trump. In June, he requested a protective order in the Mar-a-Lago White House documents case, aiming to prevent Trump from releasing classified materials to the media.