House Democrats request Trump trial be televised

House Democrats are requesting the trial for former President Trump in connection with the federal indictment again him related to the Jan. 6 riot be televised. 

Rough two dozen of them made the request in a letter Thursday to Judge Roslynn Mauskopf who oversees the administration of federal courts.

"We are writing to request the Judicial Conference explicitly authorize the broadcasting of court proceedings in the cases of United States of America v. Donald J. Trump," the letter states. 

The indictment against Trump was handed down Tuesday.

"It is imperative the Conference ensures timely access to accurate and reliable information surrounding these cases and all of their proceedings, given the extraordinary national importance to our democratic institutions and the need for transparency," the letter also states.

Lawmakers that signed the letter include Reps. Adam Schiff, California; Dan Goldman, of New York; and Jamie Raskin, of Maryland.

Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to all criminal charges stemming from special counsel Jack Smith's indictment related to the 2020 presidential election and Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Smith charged Trump with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, threatening constitutional rights, conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, and obstruction of an official proceeding.

When the trial will begin has yet to be decided.

Smith said after the indictment was made public: “My office will seek a speedy trial so that our evidence can be tested in court and judged by a jury of citizens.”

However, Trump's defense team is raising concerns about needing adequate time to prepare for the trial and it taking place amid the 2024 presidential election cycle in which Trump is the front-running GOP candidate.