NEW YORK — New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan is forbidding photographs of former President Donald Trump in his trial because a pool journalist took a picture from the aisle instead of the front of the courtroom, as required, according to court officers.
A court spokesman confirmed there would be no photographs allowed in the courtroom on Friday, continuing a policy put in place Thursday.
“The ban is still in place today. Conversations are continuing,” the spokesman said.
A photojournalist who was led into the courtroom Tuesday morning to take the daily photo spray broke a longstanding rule that forbids photographs from outside the well of the courtroom, according to court officials.
Judge Merchan was consulted and he determined that, for now, no photography in the courtroom will be permitted.
The policy, if unchanged, is significant because it will mean that no pictures of the former president will be transmitted from the courtroom.
On a typical day, several photographers are allowed to come in and take pictures of Mr. Trump after he sits at the defense table. The photographers are ushered out before proceedings begin.
Court officials said journalists can still photograph Mr. Trump in the hallway, where he frequently talks to the media.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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