“… concluded that there was no reason to subject the former president to handcuffs or a mug shot.”
More likely, the secret service said, “yeah, that’s not going to happen.”
Or, they are recognizing the election interference implications and are trying to CYA to a small extent, at least.
It is foolish to believe everything yahoo says. There may be mugshots leaked to the media, Eric Adams denials notwithstanding.
Trump wanted Cuffs and a mugshot.
That’s why they won’t do it.
Or the Dem political operatives said, “No, thanks—a mug shot or cuffs would backfire on us.”
I am sure you are correct. The SS is never going to give Trump up. Suddenly no cameras allowed in the court room either. My guess is this is probably all going to be CGI or done in a studio. If Trump was allowed anywhere near the deep state for 10 minutes he’d fall down the stairs. They’ve been trying to kill him for 6 years. We’re watching a movie.