Former President Trump Defies Gag Order, Faces Fines and Incarceration Risk
In a significant ruling, Judge Juan Merchan has held former President Donald Trump liable for violating a gag order issued in the NY v. Trump case. The gag order, imposed last month, prohibits Trump from publicly discussing trial witnesses and court officials’ family members.
Nine Violations, ,000 in Fines
The judge meticulously detailed nine distinct occasions on which Trump breached the order. Each violation carries a fine of ,000, totaling ,000. If Trump continues to “willfully violate” the order, Merchan has warned that “incarceratory punishment” might become necessary.
Trump’s attorneys have challenged the gag order, arguing that it infringes upon his First Amendment rights. However, the District Attorney’s office led by Alvin Bragg asserts that Trump violated the order at least 14 times as of last week.
Credibility Questioned
During a hearing on the gag order violation, Merchan expressed concern over the Trump legal team’s actions. “I’ve asked you eight or nine times, ‘Show me the exact post that he was responding to,’ and you haven’t been able to do that once,” the judge said, questioning the defense team’s argument that Trump’s comments were in response to attacks against him.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Trump has publicly condemned the case as a “scam,” claiming that the Biden administration and the New York District Attorney are unfairly targeting him. He maintains that the gag order has restricted his ability to defend himself against the accusations.
Unconstitutional Gag Order?
“We have a gag order, which to me is totally unconstitutional. I’m not allowed to talk, but people are allowed to talk about me,” Trump lamented outside the New York City courtroom, arguing that the order prevents him from speaking his mind while others remain free to criticize him.
