Judge Merchan Warns Jail Time for Repeated Contempt by Trump During Manhattan Trial

In an unprecedented move during Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial, Judge Juan Merchan ordered him to pay $9,000 in fines and warned that jail time could follow for contempt of court due to repeated violations of his gag order by making comments about witnesses and jurors on social media platforms Truth Social and his campaign website. MerCHAN noted during proceedings today that a maximum fine alone might not suffice as punishment, given the wealthier status of individuals found in contempt, suggesting jail time may be necessary for some cases. Trump had previously dared the judge to incarcerate him if he violated court orders, claiming it would make him “a modern-day Nelson Mandela.” MerCHAN’s written order also suggested that if further gag order breaches occur, they could result in additional fines and warnings or even jail time. The judge has scheduled a hearing for Thursday to address four new statements Trump made since the first ten violations were reported by prosecutors on April 10th. MerCHAN’s strict actions come after Trump persisted with attacks against witnesses outside of court, despite previous attempts from prosecution to seek contempt rulings delivered today. If further breaches occur and result in a fifteenth incident, Judge Merchan has threatened that he will promptly act by giving Trump an overnight stay behind bars followed by longer stays if the behavior continues. Such severe consequences aim to deter Trump’s actions aimed at intimidating ordinary citizens fulfilling their civic duties as jurors or witnesses during court proceedings while also protecting the fair administration of justice and its perception in society.