In Donald Trump‘s ongoing criminal trial, Justice Juan Merchan issued a $1,000 fine and held him in contempt of court for the tenth time on Monday.
The penalty was imposed due to Trump’s repeated violations of a gag order, which prohibits him from discussing jurors and witnesses publicly.
Merchan expressed concern that previous fines hadn’t deterred Trump from disregarding the order, emphasizing that further violations could result in jail time.
Despite the judge’s warnings, Trump’s legal team maintains his innocence, with Trump denying any wrongdoing.
The trial centers on a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, raising questions about potential election law violations.
During the trial’s 12th day, former Trump employees testified, offering insights that could support the prosecution’s case against Trump.
They provided evidence suggesting Trump falsified business records to conceal the hush money payment, a charge he vehemently denies.
Merchan, while reluctant to impose jail time, views Trump’s repeated violations as a direct challenge to the rule of law.
He stressed the potential disruptive impact of imprisonment on the trial proceedings and highlighted the security challenges it would pose.
He noted the potential complications it could introduce to the upcoming presidential election, where Trump seeks to reclaim the White House.
The trial also featured testimony from Jeffrey McConney, a former controller in Trump’s organization, who detailed the payments made to Daniels through Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Prosecutors argue that these payments, listed as legal fees, were, in fact, reimbursements for the hush money payment aimed at concealing Trump’s alleged extramarital affair with Daniels.
