Manhattan prosecutors are seeking to impose fines and potential jail time on former President Donald Trump for allegedly violating a gag order during his ongoing trial. The prosecutors accused Trump of attacking witnesses and jurors in violation of the order, with assistant district attorney Christopher Conroy stating that Trump had continued to do so even outside the courtroom.
The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, centers around charges of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to Stormy Daniels, a porn actor who threatened to expose an alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election. Despite being restrained in court, Trump has reportedly attacked individuals involved in the case on social media and his campaign website.
Prosecutors cited multiple instances of Trump allegedly violating the gag order, including a post on his Truth Social network quoting a Fox host’s comments about the Manhattan jury. They are seeking a fine of $1,000 per violation and a warning that Trump could face 30 days in jail if he continues to flout the order.
Trump’s lawyer argued that his client was responding to attacks from Cohen and Daniels, but the judge expressed frustration with the defense’s arguments. Trump, in response, took to social media to criticize the judge for allegedly infringing on his right to free speech.
The trial also heard from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, who detailed his involvement in a scheme to purchase and suppress negative stories about Trump. The case continues to unfold as both sides present their arguments before the court.