The ongoing hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump took a dramatic turn as Judge Juan Merchan found Trump in contempt for multiple violations of a gag order. In a stern warning, the judge indicated that future breaches could result in jail time for the ex-president. Trump has been fined a cumulative $9,000—$1,000 for each of the nine violations. Despite the escalating legal challenges, Trump has been granted permission to attend his son’s upcoming high school graduation.
On the stand, Gary Farro, the banker involved with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, continued his testimony. Farro had previously assisted Cohen in making the $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He recounted details about the wire transfer and the setup of the shell company, Essential Consultants LLC, which was used for the transaction. Notably, Farro emphasized that Cohen did not disclose the purpose of the wire to be payment to an adult film star, and had he known, it would have triggered more scrutiny from the bank.
Rhona Graff, a longtime Trump assistant, also testified, disclosing that she input contact information for Daniels and another woman, Karen McDougal, into the Trump Organization’s system and recalled seeing Daniels at Trump Tower. These testimonies have highlighted the inner workings of the Trump Organization and its associates during the period leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to these proceedings. The charges stem from allegations that he reimbursed Cohen for the hush money payment, which was made to silence Daniels about an alleged past sexual encounter with Trump, which he denies. The trial has drawn national attention not only for its content but also for Trump’s continued public statements, resulting in the gag order violations.
The judge’s decision to fine Trump and the implication of possible jail time underscore the gravity of the trial and the judiciary’s efforts to maintain order and respect for court protocols. The fine may be seen as a mere slap on the wrist for someone of Trump’s wealth, but the warning of potential incarceration is a serious indication that the court is prepared to escalate its response to further noncompliance.
Trump also railed against the limited gag order in the case.”This gag order is not only unique, it’s totally unconstitutional,” Trump opined, calling Judge Merchan “conflicted.”
Asked by a reporter what he meant by “conflicted,” Trump brusquely turned to respond.
“You can figure that one out easily,” he said.
Relevant articles:
– Trump trial live updates: Judge threatens Trump with jail for further gag order violations , NBC News, 04/30/2024
– Live updates Trump found in contempt for violating gag order in hush money trial, The Washington Post, 04/30/2024
– Trump trial live updates: Trump fined $9K for gag order violations, could be jailed next time, ABC News, 04/30/2024
– Live updates: Donald Trump’s hush money trial, CNN, 04/30/2024
– Hush money trial live updates: Judge finds Trump violated gag order, The Associated Press, 04/30/2024