Manhattan court Judge Juan Merchan has issued a stern warning to former President Donald Trump, cautioning him that continued violations of the gag order imposed in the ongoing hush money trial may result in jail time.
Despite being fined $1,000 for a previous violation, Judge Merchan emphasized that monetary penalties alone have failed to deter Trump from further breaches of the order.
Facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in Manhattan, Trump is bound by the gag order, prohibiting him from publicly discussing witnesses or counsel involved in the case.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and prosecutors have presented evidence of multiple instances where Trump has violated this order.
While expressing reluctance towards considering jail time, Judge Merchan underscored the gravity of Trump’s actions, labeling his willful defiance of the court’s order as a direct assault that cannot be overlooked.
Trump and his defense team argue that the gag order infringes upon his First Amendment rights and those of his supporters. However, Judge Merchan remains steadfast in upholding the court’s directive.
