New York City, NY – The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York did not immediately decide on whether the former president should face a $10,000 fine for breaching a gag order by attacking potential trial witnesses. Judge Juan Merchan expressed skepticism towards Trump’s defense lawyer Todd Blanche’s argument that social media posts were justified responses to political attacks.
During a contempt hearing, Merchan admonished Blanche, stating, “Mr. Blanche, you’re losing all credibility.” Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office accused Trump of violating the gag order with ten social media posts, requesting a $1,000 fine for each post. The prosecution disclosed their intention to file an additional motion, alleging Trump violated the order by making comments about his former lawyer Michael Cohen outside the courtroom.
The 34-count indictment against Trump involves allegations of falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen, a key figure in facilitating the payments, is expected to testify against Trump. The gag order bars Trump from making public statements about trial witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff.
Blanche argued that most of Trump’s posts were responses to attacks or reposts of content from news sources like the New York Post and Fox News. However, Judge Merchan questioned the timing of Trump’s responses and challenged Blanche to provide evidence of political attacks prompting Trump’s posts. The hearing took a sour turn for Trump when the judge criticized him for manipulating a quote in one of his posts.
Merchan expanded the gag order following Trump’s pre-trial statements, which he deemed threatening and inflammatory. Trump’s ongoing defiance of the order has placed him in a contentious legal battle as he faces potential fines for violating court restrictions. The case continues to draw attention as Trump navigates through legal proceedings with his legal team.