The judge presiding over former President Trump’s criminal trial will hold a hearing to consider alleged gag order violations after fining Trump $9,000 and threatening him with jail time if violations continue. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and prosecutors accused Trump of violating the gag order 14 times, which bans him from speaking about witnesses, court staff, and families. The judge found Trump guilty of nine violations, each resulting in a $1,000 fine, with a warning of potential “incarceratory punishment” for further violations. Trump’s defense team argued that he was responding to attacks against him when making comments that violated the order.
Trump, in response to the ruling, claimed on social media that his Constitutional right to free speech had been taken away, calling the trial rigged and accusing the judge of interfering in the 2024 presidential election. Trump called the judge conflicted and called for his recusal from the case. The judge expressed frustration in his ruling that he could not fine Trump more than $1,000 per violation, stating that a higher fine would be preferable given Trump’s wealth. The judge emphasized that Trump could face jail time if he continues to violate the gag order. Meanwhile, the trial will resume with witness testimony.
Prosecutors have already called several witnesses to testify, including former American Media Inc. CEO David Pecker, former Trump Organization senior vice president Rhona Graff, and others. Trump has been charged with falsifying business records related to payments made to Stormy Daniels to silence her about an alleged affair before the 2016 election. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg must prove to the jury that Trump not only falsified the business records but also did so as part of a criminal conspiracy to promote or prevent an election. Prosecutors will try to show that the conspiracy was to conceal a plan to unlawfully promote Trump’s candidacy in 2016.
The defense maintains that Trump is innocent and denies all charges. The prosecution has accused Trump of engaging in criminal activity by falsifying business records and conspiring to impact the election. Despite the seriousness of the charges, both on their own would typically be viewed as misdemeanors. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the trial continues to unfold with potential consequences of fines and even incarceration. The judge has expressed frustration with Trump’s repeated violations of the gag order and has warned of further penalties if violations continue. The trial is set to resume with the jury listening to witness testimony as both sides present their cases.
