Trump : Jail for Gag Order Breach Would Be ‘Great Honor’

Donald Trump expressed willingness to serve time in jail for violating a gag order in his hush money trial, stating it would be a “great honor.” He criticized Judge Juan Merchan and other officials, accusing Merchan of violating the law and the Constitution by restricting his ability to criticize court staff. Trump likened himself to Nelson Mandela, claiming he would gladly become a “Modern Day Nelson Mandela” for speaking the “open and obvious TRUTH.”

Trump also criticized Judge Arthur Engoron and Judge Lewis Kaplan, calling them a “total lunatic, whack job” and a “crazed bully,” respectively. Merchan recently expanded the gag order to include comments critical of him and his family after Trump suggested on social media that Merchan couldn’t be impartial because his daughter worked for a progressive political consulting firm that counts President Joe Biden as a client.

Legal experts suggest Trump is more likely to face a substantial fine if he violates the gag order, though he could potentially face jail time, additional charges, or other fines. Trump was previously fined $5,000 in October for violating a gag order in his civil fraud trial.

This isn’t the first time Trump has compared himself to Mandela, previously describing himself as a victim of political persecution. He has also framed himself as a political dissident, particularly after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, comparing his situation to Navalny’s and likening Biden to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump faces charges related to payments made to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels about an alleged affair. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg requested the gag order, citing concerns over Trump’s rhetoric. Jury selection for Trump’s trial is scheduled to begin on April 15.