former American president donald trump is again under the judicial look, this time for contempt of a restraining order imposed by Judge Juan M. Merchán. Apparently a new fine of $1,000 was not enough to keep the former president silent. This Monday, the magistrate imposed a slight financial fine on the Republican politician, warning that he contemplates the possibility of imprison him given the reiteration of violations of the judicial measure. Despite expressing his reluctance to take such extreme measures, Judge Merchán indicated that he is determined to enforce the law.
Trump repeats violation of ‘gag order’
Judge Merchán has not hesitated to describe Trump’s actions as a “direct attack on the rule of law”, reiterating that he will not tolerate contempt for the restraining order that prohibits the former president from publicly attacking witnesses, prosecutors and members of the jury. This is the second time in two weeks that the judge declares Trump guilty of contemptimposing significant fines as a disciplinary measure.
“The last thing I want to do is put him in jail.”said Judge Juan M. Merchán to the former president and current Republican candidate for next November’s presidential elections, adding: “But at the end of the day I have a job to do.”
donald trump
Steve Helber / AP/LaPresse
New details in Trump trial
The criminal trial against former US President Donald Trump continues, with the defendant facing 34 counts of serious crimes of forgery of business records in first grade. These charges are related to attempted cover-ups during the 2016 presidential campaign, specifically in relation to an alleged extramarital affair with porn actress Stormy Daniels. Despite the accusations, Trump has maintained his stance of innocence, calling the trial a “Witch hunt”.
Drafting
In this fourth week of the trial, one of the key moments will be the testimony of Jeffrey McConney, who worked as a corporate accountant at the Trump Organization. Prosecutors contend McConney was involved in arranging the repayment of a $130,000 payment to Daniels, which could shed light on allegations of falsifying business records against Trump.
