In the ongoing criminal trial of former US President Donald Trump, the presiding judge has once again found him in contempt of a gag order, signaling potential imprisonment for future breaches.
Trump, aged 77, stands accused of manipulating business records to reimburse his attorney, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels just days before the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton.
Judge Juan Merchan held Trump in contempt and levied a $1,000 fine for violating the gag order, which prohibits public attacks on witnesses, jurors, or court staff and their families. Despite previous fines totaling $9,000, Merchan expressed dissatisfaction, hinting at the possibility of jail time for subsequent transgressions.
While reluctant, Merchan emphasized the importance of upholding the justice system’s dignity. He condemned Trump’s defiance as a direct assault on the rule of law. The judge’s decision came during the trial’s third week and focused on allegations that Trump orchestrated payments to Daniels to suppress potentially damaging information before the election.
Testimonies from Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, and Cohen, Trump’s former attorney turned adversary, are anticipated in the proceedings.
