United States Judge Juan Merchan has issued a stern warning to former President Donald Trump, stating he could face jail time if he continues to violate a court-imposed gag order.
This caution followed another $1,000 fine imposed on Trump on Monday for his tenth violation of the order during his criminal trial over a hush money payment.
Justice Merchan was reluctant to impose a jail sanction but warned that further breaches could necessitate such a measure.
I do not want to impose a jail sanction and have done everything I can to avoid doing so. But I will if necessary, Merchan said during court proceedings.
The gag order prohibits Trump from publicly discussing jurors and witnesses associated with the case about the payment Trump made to porn actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 elections.
Despite the order, Trump commented in an April 22 broadcast interview about the jury selection process and their political affiliations, prompting the recent fine. Trump had said, “That jury was picked so fast – 95% Democrats. The area’s mostly all Democrat.”
Merchan noted that the cumulative $10,000 in fines issued thus far has failed to deter Trump from making prohibited statements.
Last week, Trump faced $9,000 in fines for nine social media posts judged to violate the gag order.
As the U.S. presidential election comes up in November, Trump must be careful to avoid being given jail time, which would disrupt his political campaign.
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