Donald Trump slammed as Judge Juan Merchan warns him jail time, fines $1000 again for gag order violation

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Donald Trump faced another fine in the ongoing hush money trial on Monday, May 6, after Judge Juan Merchan imposed a $1000 for gag order violation again.

The judge presiding over the trial also threatened the former president with jail time if he continued to violate the gag order.

Judge Merchan states Donald Trump's statement constitutes 'a direct attack on the rule of law'

Trump's fine marks the second instance since the trial's commencement in April where he was fined for disregarding the gag order, which prohibits him from making incendiary remarks about jurors, witnesses, and other individuals closely connected to the case.

On April 30, the former president was fined $9,000 with $1,000 for each of the nine violations.

Before jurors were brought into the Manhattan courtroom, Judge Merchan stated, “It appears that the $1,000 fines are not serving as a deterrent. Therefore going forward, this court will have to consider a jail sanction."

According to the judge, Trump's statements “threaten to interfere with the fair administration of justice and constitute a direct attack on the rule of law. I cannot allow that to continue.”

Donald Trump's continued disregard for gag order

In an April 22 interview with Real America's Voice, the 77-year-old politician criticized the rapid selection of the jury, alleging it was predominantly stacked with Democrats.

At the time, Trump said, "That jury was picked so fast — 95% Democrats."

“The area’s mostly all Democrat. You think of it as, just a purely Democrat area. It’s a very unfair situation that I can tell you," he added.

Judge Merchan cites reasons for considering jail time as a 'last resort'

In his remarks, Judge Merchan cited various reasons for considering jail time as a "last resort."

“The last thing I want to do is put you in jail. You are the former president of the United States and possibly the next president as well," he said, according to CNN.

"There are many reasons why incarceration is truly a last resort for me. To take that step would be disruptive to these proceedings," he added.

Internet reacts to Juan Merchan threatening Donald Trump with jail time

"So sick of the special treatment this degenerate gets. Throw him in jail already," and another user tweeted, "Then I guess Trump better pay attention and follow the friggin law!"

One user wrote, "Most defendants would have been thrown in jail a long time ago. Donald Trump is getting special treatment," and another user commented, "Lock him up! He is not above the law!"

"Trump finds it difficult to follow rules or laws, they are meant for other people and not him. His entitlement is the result of his narcissistic personality that should have been treated in therapy years ago."

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