Judge Juan Merchan presided over a hearing on Thursday morning to address the prosecution's additional allegations against former President Donald Trump in the ongoing hush money trial. The prosecution has put forward four new allegations and is seeking a $1,000 maximum fine for each violation.
During the hearing, prosecutors clarified that they are not seeking to have Trump jailed for the alleged violations. Earlier this week, Trump was fined $9,000 for nine previous violations of the gag order imposed in the case.
The prosecution's allegations center on the impact of Trump's statements on the fairness of the trial. Prosecutor Chris Conroy argued that Trump's remarks are undermining the integrity of the proceedings and turning the case into a political spectacle.
Conroy also reminded the court that Trump's legal team had previously assured the judge that the former president was aware of the parameters of the gag order.
On the other hand, Trump's defense team maintained that he did not violate the gag order and emphasized the need for Trump to defend himself against attacks from witnesses like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels.
Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that Cohen and Daniels are not individuals who require protection and suggested that Trump was being provoked into responding to their statements.
Despite the back-and-forth arguments, prosecutors reiterated that they were not pushing for Trump to be imprisoned for the alleged violations.
Following the hearing, Judge Merchan did not immediately issue a ruling on the matter, leaving the resolution of the gag order violations pending.
As the trial continues, the courtroom drama surrounding the hush money case involving Trump is likely to intensify, with both sides steadfast in their positions regarding the gag order and its implications on the proceedings.
