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.
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"I guess he doesn't know about the First Amendment. This is really shocking," Perry said.
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