New York prosecutors are set to request additional fines for Donald Trump in his criminal hush money trial, citing violations of a gag order barring him from discussing witnesses and jurors. They seek to add a $4,000 penalty to the $9,000 fine imposed earlier this week by Justice Juan Merchan, who held Trump in contempt for social media posts questioning the jury selection and insulting his former lawyer Michael Cohen, a key witness.
Merchan warned of possible jail time if Trump continues to defy the gag order, noting that the current fines might not sufficiently deter the wealthy businessman-turned-politician. The gag order aims to prevent Trump from intimidating trial participants, although it does not restrict his ability to criticize prosecutors or the judge.
Trump has accused prosecutors of collaborating with President Joe Biden and has attacked Merchan's impartiality, calling him "crooked and conflicted." The case centers on allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump denies the charges, including any sexual encounter with Daniels.
The trial's focus on Trump's conduct has led to further legal challenges, including accusations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents after leaving office. Despite pleading not guilty, Trump's legal expenses have mounted, with fundraising redirected to cover costs, and he has had to post substantial bonds to appeal civil judgments against him.