Judge Juan Merchan grew increasingly frustrated as he heard defense attorney Todd Blanche’s arguments regarding Donald Trump’s alleged repeated violations of a gag order in the hush money criminal trial. Prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office accused Trump of violating the order at least 10 times by posting on his Truth Social platform and campaign website about potential witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. Attorney Blanche claimed that Trump’s posts were in response to “political” attacks, but failed to provide specific examples. Justice Merchan warned that Blanche was “losing all credibility” due to the lack of evidence. The judge highlighted that Trump’s posts were in direct violation of a clear and unequivocal gag order issued by the court, which restricts Trump’s statements about known witnesses and jurors. Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conroy emphasized that Trump has a pattern of disregarding court orders and making public statements to intimidate witnesses and influence outcomes. The prosecution seeks a contempt charge, a $10,000 fine, and removal of the offending posts, but has not yet requested imprisonment. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of the hush money scheme to silence an adult film star before the 2016 presidential election. Gag orders have also been imposed in Trump’s civil fraud case and federal election interference case, as prosecutors express concerns about his use of social media to fuel attacks against individuals involved in the cases. Despite warnings about the harassment and threats that have followed his attacks, Trump continues to make public statements that could intimidate witnesses and jurors.
Judge Chides Trump’s Attorney Over Gag Order Violations in Hush Money Trial
