Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly facing additional sanctions in his ongoing hush money trial due to alleged violations of a gag order.
What Happened: Judge Juan M. Merchan is scheduled to hold a hearing about four more online posts that prosecutors argue violate the court’s order that prevents Trump from publicly discussing jurors or key witnesses in the case, The Hill reported on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Merchan held Trump in contempt of court, imposing a $9,000 fine for nine online posts and warning him of potential imprisonment if he continues to violate the gag order.
Keith Davidson, who dominated Tuesday’s witness testimony, is expected to return to the stand. Davidson detailed his role in negotiating hush money deals with the National Enquirer and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, for former Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult film actor Stormy Daniels.
Prosecutors claim that Trump and others orchestrated a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election by purchasing and suppressing scandalous stories that could damage his campaign. Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records to conceal hush money payments, including a $130,000 payment to Daniels by Cohen, recorded as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Why It Matters: The allegations of gag order violations have been a point of contention in Trump’s trial. Manhattan prosecutors have accused Trump of breaching the gag order multiple times by attacking witnesses and jurors involved in his case.
Trump was found in violation of the gag order on Tuesday, resulting in a $9,000 fine. The former president was also threatened with jail time for future violations.
Interestingly, Trump has used the fines as a fundraising opportunity, sending out an email to supporters asking for financial help after being fined and threatened with jail time.
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