The US Secret Service is assessing its response if Donald Trump is held in contempt or sentenced to prison in his hush money trial. Officials do not anticipate that Judge Juan Merchan would incarcerate Trump, but they are preparing for contingencies, according to sources familiar with the matter. Prosecutors are seeking a fine, while Trump’s defense team has argued that his statements do not violate the court’s gag order.
The Secret Service is required by law to protect former presidents around the clock, which could pose significant challenges if Trump is sentenced to prison. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have accused Trump of violating the gag order by making statements about witnesses and jurors involved in the case. Trump’s defense team counters that his statements are defenses against anticipated attacks and fall within the confines of the order’s ambiguity. The judge has yet to rule on whether Trump violated the gag order.
The Secret Service declined to comment on specific protective operations, stating that they develop comprehensive plans for all settings around the world to safeguard their protectees. They emphasize their duty to provide protection for current and former government leaders, visiting heads of state, and other individuals designated by the President of the United States.
