As Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial continues, the US Secret Service is reportedly holding meetings and developing plans for the contingency that the former President and presumptive Republican candidate could be held in contempt of court and potentially face short-term confinement. This comes after Judge Juan Merchan reserved a decision on the matter following a tense hearing on Tuesday. Prosecutors have indicated that they are currently seeking a fine rather than jail time for Trump, but they believe his actions may warrant further punishment. ‘We are not yet seeking an incarceratory penalty,’ Assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy said. ‘But the defendant seems to be angling for that.’ Officials told ABC News that they are unsure whether Judge Merchan would ultimately decide to jail Trump, but they are preparing for all eventualities.
The Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting former Presidents and other high-profile individuals, declined to comment on specific plans in this matter. However, the agency emphasized that their input would be required in the event of Trump’s incarceration. ‘Under federal law, the United States Secret Service must provide protection for current government leaders, former Presidents and First Ladies, visiting heads of state, and other individuals designated by the President of the United States,’ the agency said in a statement. ‘For all settings around the world, we study locations and develop comprehensive and layered protective models that incorporate state-of-the-art technology, protective intelligence, and advanced security tactics to safeguard our protectees. Beyond that, we do not comment on specific protective operations.’
The Secret Service protection that Trump receives could become an issue if he is ultimately jailed. Prosecutors argue that Trump has violated the limited gag order imposed on him, which prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors, and lawyers in the case. They have pointed to several instances this month where Trump has made social media posts criticizing his former attorney Michael Cohen and porn star Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s lawyers have argued that prosecutors have not proven that Trump’s social media posts were willful violations of the gag order. They have told Judge Merchan that Trump was simply defending himself from public attacks by the potential witnesses. Defense lawyers have also claimed that the gag order is vague and allows Trump to make ‘political’ statements, while he has criticized it for limiting his freedom of speech.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, in all capitals: ‘HIGHLY CONFLICTED, TO PUT IT MILDLY, JUDGE JUAN MERCHAN, HAS TAKEN AWAY MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. EVERYBODY IS ALLOWED TO TALK AND LIE ABOUT ME, BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DEFEND MYSELF. THIS IS A KANGAROO COURT, AND THE JUDGE SHOULD RECUSE HIMSELF!’
The Secret Service’s planning for Trump’s potential incarceration highlights the complexities and challenges that would arise if the former President were to face jail time. The agency’s mission of providing protection to former Presidents would need to be balanced with the need to ensure that Trump is held accountable for any potential wrongdoing.
