Judge Juan Merchan presided over a gag order hearing to address the prosecution’s four additional allegations against former President Donald Trump in the hush money trial. The prosecution is seeking a $1,000 maximum fine for each violation but is not seeking jail time for Trump. Trump was previously fined $9,000 for nine violations of the gag order.
The judge did not immediately issue a ruling following the hearing, and prosecutors argue that Trump’s statements are undermining the fairness of the trial and the administration of justice. Trump’s attorney assured the court that Trump is aware of the parameters of the gag order and what he is allowed to do and not allowed to do. Prosecutors clarified that they are not seeking jail time for Trump for the violations.
Trump’s attorney argued that Trump needs to be able to defend himself against attacks from upcoming witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, who he believes do not need to be protected. The attorney suggested that Cohen has been inviting Trump to respond to his statements and that Daniels should not be covered by the gag order, although he acknowledged her comments about Trump are less extensive. The judge reiterated that Trump is not allowed to refer to foreseeable witnesses.
In response to Trump’s comments about David Pecker, the former National Enquirer publisher, the attorney argued that referring to Pecker as “nice” did not violate the gag order. However, the judge emphasized that it is not just about Pecker but how Trump’s comments may affect other witnesses in the trial. Additionally, the attorney argued that Trump should be able to respond to media coverage of the trial, but the judge noted that he does not have authority over the press or individuals making comments.
Merchan emphasized that the media coverage of the trial, particularly Trump’s responses, should not come as a surprise given his status as a leading presidential candidate. The judge acknowledged that the press and social media may be reporting on the trial continuously, but he clarified that he does not have authority over those individuals. The ongoing issues surrounding the gag order and Trump’s comments continue to impact the fairness and integrity of the trial.
