Judge postpones possible punishment of Trump for violating gag order with his publications about implicated figures

The judge overseeing the criminal trial involving Donald Trump in New York has decided to postpone the potential punishment for the former president’s alleged violation of the gag order. The Prosecutor’s Office had requested a fine of $1,000 for each of the ten publications that were deemed to violate the order. However, Judge Juan Merchan did not make a ruling at that time. He has the option to issue a resolution electronically in the next few hours, during the court session on Thursday, or at a later date.

Trump is accused of buying the silence of porn actress Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair and protect his 2016 election campaign. He is prohibited from publicly referencing prosecutors, witnesses, their relatives, and the protected identity of the jury.

A “real threat” to those involved

During the latest court session, prosecutor Chris Conroy provided details about the date and content of the publications that allegedly violated the court order. He argued that these posts posed a “real threat” to those involved, who rightly feared potential retaliation based on their statements.

Conroy stated, “The defendant has repeatedly violated this order and has not stopped doing so.” He also requested the removal of the publications and asked the judge to remind Trump that continued violations could lead to a punishment of up to thirty days in prison.

Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, responded by asserting that his client is aware of the limitations imposed by the gag order and did not intentionally violate it. Blanche argued, “He is within his right to respond to attacks of a political nature,” explaining that Trump’s comments on Truth Social were related to the election campaign, not the trial.

A fierce battle

This led to a heated exchange between Blanche and Judge Merchan, with Trump calmly observing, dressed in his signature red tie. Merchan ultimately told the defense lawyer that he was losing “all credibility” before the court.

The judge in charge of the case clarified, “Using the name (Michael Cohen) is not prohibited; making a connection with the trial is.” Both the judge and the main prosecutor are the only figures not protected by the gag order under the law.

Later, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction in the courtroom corridors, stating, “This feels like reading a novel. Even if I repost an article that mentions someone’s name, I am violating the gag order. I believe this is revenge and completely unconstitutional.”