Apr 30, 2024; New York, NY, USA; Former US President Donald Trump sits in court prior to his trial, April 30 2024.
© Eduardo Munoz/Pool via USA TODAY
(New York, NY) – As the trial surrounding a nondisclosure agreement and alleged “hush money” payment continues, former President Trump has been found in contempt of court — and fined $9,000. Judge Juan Merchan says Trump violated the gag order he put into place that bars Trump from discussing anyone connected to the case publicly.
The judge also threatened to jail Trump if he did not comply with the gag order. Trump has said the judge’s order is clearly unconstitutional because Michael Cohen — the prosecution’s lead witness — has no such prohibition on discussing the case. Cohen, who previously did legal work for Trump, plans to allege he made a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels so as to cover up an affair.
As part of the judge’s order, certain posts are to be removed from Trump’s Truth Social account as well as his campaign website. The judge did decide that Trump can attend his son Barron’s high school graduation — giving the former president permission to be away from court on May 17.
