A judge ruled Monday that Donald Trump again violated his gag order in the New York hush money trial, and he warned the former president that he would consider jailing him if the violations continue.
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The fourth week of the trial is expected to include more witness testimony starting later Monday morning.
Last week, former longtime Trump aide Hope Hicks testified about campaign and White House efforts to keep a lid on scandalous stories about him. Before that, Trump’s defense suggested that he was the target of a shakedown attempt when his lawyer paid hush money to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
This development comes amidst Trump’s ongoing trial, where he faces a staggering 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Merchan, presiding over the case, fined Trump $1,000 for yet another violation of the gag order but expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the fine. “It is clear that the fine is not effective,” remarked Merchan during the proceedings.
The gag order, imposed by Merchan prior to the trial, prohibits Trump from making or directing others to make public statements about witnesses’ potential participation or about counsel involved in the case. However, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and prosecutors have accused Trump of numerous violations of this order.
Addressing Trump directly, Merchan emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “The last thing I want to consider is jail. You are a former President and possibly the next President. The magnitude of that decision is not lost on me. Your continued willful violation of the court’s order constitutes a direct attack and will not be allowed to continue. It is not allowed to continue.”
Trump and his defence attorneys have vehemently argued against the gag order, asserting that it infringes upon his First Amendment rights as well as the rights of his supporters.
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