NEW YORK: Prosecutors on Tuesday accused former president Donald Trump of brazenly violating a gag order imposed by the judge presiding over his “hush money” trial to prevent him from intimidating witnesses.
During a hearing before Judge Juan Merchan, prosecutor Chris Conroy asserted that Trump’s attacks on witnesses flagrantly disregarded the court’s order. “His disobedience of the order is willful, it’s intentional,” Conroy emphasized, urging the judge to impose fines for each violation and to have the offending messages removed.
Conroy advocated for a maximum $1,000 fine for each post found to be in violation of the gag order, emphasizing the need to remind Trump of the potential for incarceration should his behavior persist.
However, Conroy clarified that the prosecution was not currently seeking an incarceratory penalty, opting instead to underscore the seriousness of Trump’s actions and the consequences of further non-compliance.
The prospect of jailing Trump could potentially escalate tensions with the Secret Service, tasked with protecting former and current presidents. Following nearly 90 minutes of arguments, Judge Merchan deferred his ruling to a later time.
Trump, facing charges of falsifying business records related to a 2006 payment to silence porn star Stormy Daniels, has repeatedly clashed with the court’s gag order. The order, issued on April 1, prohibits Trump from publicly attacking witnesses, jurors, and court staff.
Despite the gag order, Trump has continued to lash out, particularly on his Truth Social platform, referring to witnesses as “sleaze bags” and questioning their credibility.
Trump’s legal team defended his actions during the contempt hearing, asserting that the former president is “trying to comply” with the gag order while exercising his right to free speech.
However, Judge Merchan expressed skepticism towards Trump’s compliance, challenging Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche’s assertion that reposting articles from news sites did not violate the order.
The contempt hearing unfolded just a day after opening arguments commenced in Trump’s criminal trial, marking the first trial of a former US president. Trump has consistently derided the case as a politically motivated “witch hunt” aimed at derailing his potential campaign plans.
