Judge to Trump: muting, not blocking followers, may end suit
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this Feb. 28, 2018 photo, President Donald Trump pauses during a meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, in Washington, with members of congress to discuss school and community safety. A White House official says President Donald Trump plans to announce Thursday whether he'll impose tariffs or quotas on steel and aluminum imports. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
A judge is recommending that President Donald Trump mute rather than block some Twitter followers to resolve a First Amendment lawsuit.
Manhattan federal Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on Thursday suggested a settlement as the preferred outcome after listening to lawyers argue whether it’s constitutional for Trump to block his critics.
The hearing stemmed from a lawsuit filed in July by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and seven people rejected by Trump after criticizing the Republican president.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The government says Trump’s Twitter feed is a personal account and not a public forum requiring him to welcome all voices.
Buchwald told lawyers they run the risk of establishing new law that they might not like if they resist a settlement. Otherwise, she’ll rule soon.