(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In further judicial repression of Donald Trump, a judge in New York has determined that the former president has committed multiple breaches of the extensive gag order placed on him in relation to his so-called “hush money” criminal trial.
Judge Juan Merchan found Trump guilty of nine breaches of this gag order and consequently imposed a fine of $1,000 for each instance.
The judge emphatically cautioned Trump about the severe repercussions of any further violations, including potential imprisonment.
“Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment,” Merchan stated.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Trump secured permission to attend his son Barron’s upcoming high school graduation. He had previously voiced concerns that Judge Merchan was obstructing his ability to do so.
Furthermore, Merchan expressed a desire to impose more substantial fines on Trump for his persistent disregard of the gag order.
Earlier in April, the judge broadened the gag order to prevent Trump from disparaging his relatives.
This expansion was partly motivated by Trump’s repeated critical remarks on social media about Merchan’s daughter, a Democrat strategist who has indirectly benefited professionally from the high-profile nature of the Trump case.
As the trial continued on Tuesday, Trump faces allegations of falsifying business records linked to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, intended to silence her claims alleging a previous affair with the former president, which he has denied.
The prosecution argues that the payment to Daniels was part of a broader scheme to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, while Trump’s defense maintains that such payments were routine business practices.
David Pecker, a former National Enquirer publisher, provided testimony last week regarding the tabloid’s backing of Trump during the 2016 election, including their strategy to purchase and suppress unfavorable stories.
Further testimony was provided by the former banker of Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen, who stated that Cohen utilized a shell company for the payment to Daniels.
“Everybody knows this trial is a scam. The judge should be recused and he should recuse himself today,” Trump commented outside the courtroom.
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