Former President Donald Trump faced consequences in court on Tuesday as he was held in contempt and fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order. This order prohibited him from publicly discussing individuals involved in his New York hush money case, including witnesses and jurors. Moreover, the judge warned that further violations could result in imprisonment.
Prosecutors had identified 10 alleged violations, but Judge Juan M. Merchan determined there were nine. The ruling served as a sharp rebuke to Trump, who had argued that he was exercising his right to free speech. Donald Trump listened somberly as the judge delivered the verdict.
In his ruling, Merchan acknowledged Trump’s First Amendment rights, particularly given his presidential candidacy. However, he emphasized that the court would not tolerate deliberate defiance of its orders and would consider incarceration if necessary.
This decision came during the trial’s second week, where Manhattan prosecutors are alleging Trump and his associates engaged in an illegal scheme to manipulate the 2016 presidential campaign by suppressing negative stories. Trump has entered a plea of not guilty to these charges.
Merchan ordered Trump to pay the fine by Friday’s close and remove specific posts from his social media and campaign platforms by Tuesday afternoon. Additionally, the judge will review other alleged violations later in the week.
Among the contested posts, Merchan ruled that one from April 10, referring to witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels as “sleaze bags,” was not a violation as Trump claimed it was a response to previous posts by Cohen. However, a post quoting Fox News host Jesse Watters, which distorted Watters’ words, was deemed a clear violation.
Merchan cautioned against misuse of the gag order and noted that if protected individuals like Cohen continued to attack Donald Trump, it would indicate they no longer needed the order’s protection.
Testimony continued with witnesses such as banker Gary Farro and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker. Farro detailed the process of setting up accounts for Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, while Pecker disclosed arrangements to suppress negative stories about Trump.
Prosecutors are building their case around alleged falsification of business records related to hush money payments, with Cohen’s testimony expected to be pivotal. However, the trial’s duration remains uncertain, causing Donald Trump frustration as the November election draws nearer.
Outside the courtroom, Donald Trump criticized the case, insisting it should never have been brought. His defense team contends that his actions were aimed at protecting his reputation and family rather than influencing the election.
Farro’s testimony shed light on the bank account setup process for Cohen, indicating urgency on Cohen’s part. Cohen intended to use these accounts for transactions related to suppressing negative stories about Donald Trump.
The trial’s proceedings illustrate the legal challenges facing Donald Trump as he balances his campaign efforts with court appearances. Despite his objections, the trial continues, shaping the narrative around his alleged involvement in the hush money scheme.
