The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York held him in contempt of court on Tuesday for violating a gag order that limits what he can say about those involved in the case, and warned him that he could be jailed if he violates the order again.
Judge Juan Merchan said Trump violated the order nine times in recent weeks in posts on Trump’s Truth Social platform and campaign website:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-trial-contempt-gag-order-new-york-judge/
Donald Trump has been found in contempt of court for violating the hush money trial gag order and fined $9,000.
Judge Juan Merchan also warned the former president he could face jail if he does it again in a stern warning to start the third week of the case.
There was some good news for the 77-year-old, as Judge Merchan ruled he could attend Barron’s high school graduation next month.
Trump was fined $1,000 each for a serious of social media posts that targeted witness Michael Cohen and questioned the bias of the jury.
Merchan has also ordered Trump remove the seven ‘offending posts’ from Truth Social and the two ‘offending posts’ from his campaign website by 2:15pm Tuesday.
The order also stated the court ‘will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders’ and warned of possible jail time stating ‘if necessary and appropraite under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment.’
The order took into account Trump is a candidate for office.
‘At the same time, this Court is keenly aware of, and protective of, Defendant’s First Amendment rights, particularly given his candidacy for the office of the President of the United States,’ it reads.
‘It is critically important that Defendant’s legitimate free speech rights not be curtailed, that he be able to fully campaign for the office which he seeks,’ it continues.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13366429/donald-trump-trial-hush-money-live.html
He can go to Barron’s graduation!