Donald Trump's campaign volunteers have to sign an ultra-strict, questionably legal contract


Donald Trump's campaign reportedly requires its volunteers to sign a contract forbidding them from saying anything bad about Trump, his family, his businesses, or his campaign — for life. The Daily Dot reports that while many legal experts agree the contract's non-disparagement clause would have no chance of standing up in an actual court case, the zipped-lips rule is both revealing of Trump's own possible insecurities as well as yet another non-traditional step taken by the Republican frontrunner.
"He's apparently so afraid that people would say something bad about him after spending some time on his campaign that they have to sign some sort of agreement. I don't see how this stands up. I don't see how a court enforces this," employment lawyer Davida Perry told The Daily Dot.
Additionally, because volunteers aren't paid, they are essentially forfeiting their rights for nothing in return, which makes the contract even more unenforceable — and puts the campaign at risk of a lawsuit, according to employment lawyer Jeanne Christensen. Still, even some prospective volunteers or volunteers working in call centers are required to sign the form. By doing so, volunteers are also agreeing not to spread any sensitive information, although what qualifies as "sensitive" is at Trump's discretion according to the contract's terms. Likewise, volunteers are forbidden from working with another campaign until Trump ceases running for president; if he's elected, the terms could extend through his reelection in 2020.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"I guess he doesn't know about the First Amendment. This is really shocking," Perry said.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Trump DOJ indicts New York AG Letitia James
Speed Read New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted as Trump’s Justice Department pursues charges against his political opponents
-
Judge blocks Trump’s Guard deployment in Chicago
Speed Read The president is temporarily blocked from federalizing the Illinois National Guard or deploying any Guard units in the state
-
Trump urges jail for Illinois, Chicago leaders
Speed Read The Texas National Guard begin operations in the Chicago area
-
Bondi stonewalls on Epstein, Comey in Senate face-off
Speed Read Attorney General Pam Bondi denied charges of using the Justice Department in service of Trump’s personal vendettas
-
Court allows Trump’s Texas troops to head to Chicago
Speed Read Trump is ‘using our service members as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities,’ said Gov. J.B. Pritzker
-
Judge bars Trump’s National Guard moves in Oregon
Speed Read In an emergency hearing, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Portland
-
Museum head ousted after Trump sword gift denial
Speed Read Todd Arrington, who led the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, denied the Trump administration a sword from the collection as a gift for King Charles
-
Trump declares ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels
speed read This provides a legal justification for recent lethal military strikes on three alleged drug trafficking boats