Under the process known as discovery, prosecutors are required to provide defendants with the evidence against them so they can prepare their defense.
“It could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case,” prosecutors wrote in their filing, adding Trump has a history of attacking judges, attorneys and witnesses in other cases against him.
At his arraignment on Thursday, Trump swore not to intimidate witnesses or communicate with them without legal counsel present.
Protective orders are routine in cases involving confidential documents, but prosecutors said it was particularly important to restrict public dissemination given Trump’s social media statements.
A Trump spokesperson issued a statement defending the former president’s social media post.
“The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the Rino, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and super PAC’s,” the statement said.