Are Trump's Crimes Protected Under Free Speech?

Former President Donald Trump and his legal team are preparing to defend against federal conspiracy charges from his attempts to stay in power after the 2020 election. Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, contends that pressuring Mike Pence not to certify the election results, even if it violated the Constitution, does not amount to a crime and argues that Trump's expression of concerns about election irregularities was protected by the First Amendment. Trump's social media post threatening to come after those who go after him prompted special counsel Jack Smith's team to file an objection in court. Prosecutors are concerned that Trump's posts may lead to improper sharing of evidence and have requested a protective order to prevent disclosure of discovery materials. They fear that delaying the trial beyond the 2024 elections could allow Trump to regain government control and potentially influence the case's outcome, including attempting a self-pardon, a move with no precedent.