Trump Held in Contempt for Gag Order Violations During New York Hush Money Trial

Former President Donald Trump was found in contempt of court on Tuesday after violating a gag order regarding statements about witnesses, jurors, and others related to his New York hush money case. Judge Juan M. Merchan fined him $9,000 for nine instances of breaking the restriction, despite Trump’s insistence that he was exercising his free speech rights. The ruling came at the start of week two in Trump’s historic trial where Manhattan prosecutors accused him and associates of conspiring to cover up negative stories during his 2016 presidential campaign through an unlawful scheme, which he denies. His son Eric was present for the hearing, marking the first time a family member had attended the criminal proceedings against Trump. Meanwhile, outside courtrooms, Trump criticized prosecutors and claimed that they should never have brought this case forward. As jury selection continues in Manhattan Criminal Court, banker Gary Farro is scheduled to testify about Michael Cohen’s opening of accounts used for hush money payments made by the former president during his 2016 presidential campaign, including a $130,00 payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty and remains a leading candidate for Republicans ahead of mid-term elections scheduled to occur on November third later this year.