The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York held him in contempt of court for violating a gag order for the 10th time, warning that future infractions could bring jail time. Trump had commented on the political makeup of the jury, calling into question the fairness of the proceedings and raising concerns for the safety of the jurors. The judge imposed a fine of $1,000, the maximum allowed under state law, and stated that Trump could face jail time for future violations.
Judge Juan Merchan expressed reluctance to jail Trump, as it would disrupt the trial and present challenges for security personnel. However, he emphasized that Trump’s repeated violations of the gag order constituted a direct attack on the rule of law and could not be allowed to continue. Trump faces 34 charges of falsifying business records and has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
The gag order, issued before the trial began, prohibited Trump from commenting on likely witnesses, potential jurors, court staff, and others connected to the case. The judge expanded the order to cover Trump’s family members after he attacked the judge’s daughter. Merchan found Trump in violation of the order in multiple instances, including comments about key witnesses like Michael Cohen and David Pecker. However, Merchan determined that some comments, such as calling Cohen a “convicted liar,” constituted protected political speech.
Merchan reiterated his warning to Trump about potential jail time for future violations in his latest contempt ruling. Despite not ordering jail time for the latest violation, he emphasized that monetary fines had not been effective in deterring Trump from violating the court’s orders. The judge put Trump on notice that future violations could result in incarceration, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need to uphold the rule of law in the trial proceedings.
As the trial resumed, Merchan emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and fairness of the proceedings. Despite his reluctance to impose jail sanctions on Trump, he made it clear that repeated violations of the gag order undermined the court’s authority and could not be tolerated. The judge’s actions underscored the seriousness of the situation and the consequences that could result from continued violations of the court’s orders by the defendant.
