Judge Juan Melchán said Monday that he would consider a prison sentence if former President Trump continues to violate confidentiality obligations imposed in the unprecedented criminal trial.
Mr. Marchan placed Mr. Trump under a gag order before the trial began, preventing him from speaking publicly about the possible involvement of witnesses or lawyers in the case, with the exception of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Others who have ordered or may direct it will hand it over. or regarding court staff, prosecutor’s office staff, or family members of staff.
Mr. Bragg and prosecutors have alleged more than a dozen violations of the gag order, and have already fined the former president $9,000 for these violations.
Marchan on Monday fined the former president $1,000 for another violation, but said it was “clear” that a $1,000 fine per violation was ineffective. .
The filing states that President Trump “hereby recommends that future violations of his lawful orders, in appropriate and justifiable cases, be subject to imprisonment.” Marchand said on Monday that the court would now consider a “prison sentence.” Must be considered.
“The last thing I want to think about is prison,” Marchan said. “You’re a former president and you could be the next president.”
But Marchan said he was concerned about Trump’s “movement,” citing Secret Service protection.
“I haven’t forgotten the magnitude of this decision,” Marchan said. “Continued willful violation of court orders constitutes a direct attack and cannot be allowed to continue.”
Mr. Trump and his defenders argue that the former president and his defenders: ” The gag order does not apply to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, but it affects his First Amendment rights as well as those of his supporters. It should be restrained because it infringes the law.