Trump Faces New Fines in Hush Money Trial
New York prosecutors are set to request additional fines from the judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial, citing violations of a gag order prohibiting him from discussing witnesses and jurors.
The proposed $4,000 penalty would supplement the $9,000 fine imposed earlier by Justice Juan Merchan for contempt of court due to social media posts impugning the jury selection process and insulting former lawyer Michael Cohen, a key witness.
Merchan warned of potential jail time if Trump persists in defying the gag order, emphasizing that existing fines may not suffice as a deterrent for the affluent ex-president.
The gag order is intended to prevent Trump, a prominent figure, from intimidating trial participants but does not curtail criticism of prosecutors or the judge.
Trump asserts that the order infringes on his free speech rights, hindering his ability to counter political attacks.
He reiterated accusations of collusion between prosecutors and Democratic President Joe Biden, also alleging a conflict of interest involving Merchan’s daughter’s ties to Democratic politicians.
Excel Magazine International reports that the charges against Trump involve allegations of falsifying business records to conceal a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
Although Trump denies wrongdoing and refutes claims of a sexual encounter with Daniels.
Ahead of Thursday’s testimony, Merchan will review Trump’s alleged breaches of the gag order, including derogatory remarks about Cohen and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker made in media statements.
Prosecutors argue that Trump’s televised comments about the jury composition further violated the order.
Excel Magazine International observes that Trump faces multiple criminal cases, with uncertainties regarding trial timelines before the upcoming presidential election.
