Judge suggests Trump could be fined for violating gag order

Former President Donald Trump faced a tense hearing as Judge Juan Merchan signaled he might fine him for violating a gag order in his ongoing criminal trial. The judge imposed the gag order in March, barring Trump from making public statements about potential witnesses, jurors, counsel, and others involved in the case. The order was expanded to include family members of the court and counsel after Trump attacked the judge’s daughter on social media.

At the hearing, prosecutors alleged that Trump violated the gag order 10 times through public statements and social media posts. They argued that Trump’s actions were deliberate and willful, even editing a quote from Fox News about potential jurors. Prosecutors claimed that Trump’s attacks on potential witnesses were part of a larger plan for the trial.

Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that his client did not violate the gag order and was merely defending himself against political attacks. Blanche also claimed that reposting comments on social media did not violate the order, although he could not cite any case law to support this assertion.

Throughout the hearing, Judge Merchan was critical of Blanche’s arguments, telling him he had “presented nothing” to back up his claims. Merchan also expressed skepticism when Blanche questioned why the timing of Trump’s posts mattered. At one point, Merchan told Blanche, “You’re losing all credibility with the court.”

It remains unclear when Merchan will rule on whether Trump violated the gag order. Under New York law, violating a court’s lawful mandate can result in a fine of up to $1,000 per offense, up to 30 days in prison, or both. Prosecutors have asked for the maximum fine for each violation but have not sought imprisonment, though they want Merchan to warn Trump that he could be jailed for future violations.

Trump has decried the gag order, saying it would be his “great honor” to go to jail for violating it. He has continued to speak out against potential witnesses in the case, including Michael Cohen, less than a day before the hearing. After the hearing, Trump lashed out against Merchan on social media, claiming the judge had taken away his constitutional right to free speech.

Officials have reportedly discussed the logistics of temporarily imprisoning Trump if he violates the gag order, including keeping him separate from other inmates and providing around-the-clock Secret Service coverage. If convicted of the felony charges against him, Trump could face even lengthier prison time, though the logistics for that scenario have not yet been determined.