A federal judge has issued a protective order governing the handling of evidence in the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. The order, granted by Judge Bruce Reinhart, outlines strict protocols for the management and access of discovery materials provided to Trump's legal team.

The protective order mandates that defense counsel maintain exclusive custody and control of the discovery materials, ensuring secure storage with clear labeling. Electronic copies must adhere to the same safeguards. Trump's access to these materials is restricted to situations under the direct supervision of his attorneys or their staff. While he is permitted to take notes, these notes must be securely stored by counsel afterward.

The order explicitly prohibits the public disclosure of discovery materials, including dissemination through news media or social media platforms, without prior authorization from the court or the government. Any violation could result in penalties, including contempt of court charges.

Furthermore, the order stipulates that all discovery materials must be returned to the government or destroyed within 90 days of the case's conclusion, including any appeals. Disclosure of these materials is limited to individuals directly involved in the defense, such as legal staff, potential witnesses, and their counsel, subject to their agreement to the protective order's terms.

The protective order defines discovery materials as all non-classified information provided by the government to the defense for use in this specific case and no other. The request for this order stemmed from concerns raised by Special Counsel Jack Smith about the potential compromise of ongoing investigations and the identification of uncharged individuals if the materials were improperly disclosed. The Justice Department confirmed that both Trump and his co-defendant, Waltine Nauta, agreed to the protective order.