Former President Donald Trump is facing potential jail time after the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, filed a motion calling for Trump to be held accountable for violating a gag order imposed by trial Judge Juan Merchan. According to the motion, Trump should be jailed for 30 days if he continues to make public statements about jurors, court staff, or witnesses in the ongoing hush-money trial.
In his filing, Bragg stated that the Court should warn Trump to comply with the order and that future violations could result in additional fines or jail time. The motion also requested that the Court admonish Trump for his recent comments on social media about former porn star Stormy Daniels and his former attorney Michael Cohen, both of whom are considered witnesses in the trial. Bragg accused Trump of intentionally trying to intimidate the Court and impede the trial with his comments.
BREAKING.🚨
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg files motion to hold Trump in contempt for violating 'gag order'pic.twitter.com/pQngFOqaTY
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) April 16, 2024
The Manhattan District Attorney’s filing comes after Trump made initial comments to reporters about Judge Merchan following the first day of the trial. Trump had complained that the judge would not allow him to miss court for a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity and suggested that Merchan could prevent him from attending his son Barron’s graduation in mid-May.
According to Bragg, these comments were a direct violation of the gag order imposed by Judge Merchan on April 1st, which restricts Trump from making public statements about the trial. Bragg further stated that Trump’s repeated comments on social media and in interviews show a blatant disregard for the Court’s restrictions and that he should be held accountable for his actions.
The motion also noted that as a result of Trump’s comments, 50 potential jurors were dismissed from the trial, causing a delay and potential disruption to the court proceedings. Bragg emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the ongoing trial and the need for immediate action to prevent any further interference.
News:
Prosecutors release their written arguments for finding Trump in contempt for posts that they say "unquestionably" violate the gag order.
Full filing in the thread. pic.twitter.com/XdXfMYnZjB
— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) April 16, 2024
Trump’s legal team has not yet responded to the motion filed by the Manhattan District Attorney. However, legal experts believe that the potential consequences of Trump’s actions, including fines and jail time, could add to the pressure on the former president as he faces multiple legal battles.
The hush-money trial, which is a separate case from Trump’s impeachment trial, centers around allegations that Trump paid off his former mistresses, including Stormy Daniels, to keep them from speaking out about their affairs with him. The trial has garnered widespread attention and has become a highly publicized legal battle for Trump.
If found guilty of violating the gag order, Trump could face serious consequences, including the possibility of imprisonment. Despite these potential consequences, it remains to be seen whether Trump will continue to make public statements in violation of the gag order.
In the meantime, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office is urging the Court to take immediate action to ensure that Trump complies with the order and halts any further attacks on witnesses or court staff. With the trial ongoing, all eyes will be on the Court’s response to the motion and whether Trump will face any additional penalties for his actions in the coming weeks.