The ongoing legal battle surrounding former President Donald Trump in his hush money trial has taken on a new dimension as Judge Juan Merchan deliberates whether Trump violated a partial gag order imposed by the court. The gag order restricts Trump from making public comments about anticipated witnesses, courtroom staff, jurors, members of the prosecution team, and the judge’s family.
During a recent hour-long hearing, Judge Merchan scrutinized potential violations, focusing on at least ten instances where prosecutors claim Trump breached the order. The allegations include a Truth Social post that purportedly quoted Fox News host Jesse Watters, but with additional words inserted by Trump. At one point, Merchan expressed frustration with Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, stating, “You’re losing all credibility with the court,” when Blanche insisted that Trump was “being very careful” to comply with the gag order.
Prosecutors requested a contempt finding and a $1,000 fine for each of three Trump posts they claimed violated the gag order, and they have identified at least seven additional disputed posts. In one such post, Trump ranted about Judge Merchan on Truth Social, calling him “HIGHLY CONFLICTED, TO PUT IT MILDLY,” and accusing the judge of violating his constitutional right to free speech. Trump continued to express outrage, suggesting that everyone is allowed to “talk and lie” about him, but he is not permitted to defend himself, labeling the court as a “kangaroo court” and calling for the judge to recuse himself.
These events unfolded as David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media, the parent company of The National Enquirer, was expected to resume his testimony later in the day. Pecker’s testimony is significant due to his involvement in the “catch and kill” scheme to bury negative stories about Trump, including the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
