'It is a joke': Donald Trump takes swipe at judge after he tells Michael Cohen to stop talking about case

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former president Donald Trump once again took a swipe at Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan after he declined to gag Michael Cohen.

Cohen, a former Trump attorney who worked with him in the Trump organization, is scheduled to testify in the hush money trial on Monday, 13 May. He is dubbed as a 'star' witness for the prosecution. 

Donald Trump's attorney sought gag order as Michael Cohen is becoming 'everyday problem' 

On day 15 of the trial, Trump's attorney Todd Blanche complained about Cohen, "becoming a problem every single day that President Trump is not allowed to respond to this witness but this witness is allowed to talk."

Blanche asked the judge "he be prohibited from talking the same way President Trump is."

Judge Merchan said, “I will direct the People to communicate to Mr Cohen that the judge is asking him to refrain from any more statements about this case,” Merchan said from the bench.

Merchan's rebuke came after defense attorney Blanche brought up recent statements by Cohen, including his appearing on TikTok wearing a shirt with a photo of Trump behind bars.

Notably, Trump's attorneys have repeatedly criticized Cohen for publically talking about Trump. Cohen made the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels who claimed to buy her silence. 

He also played a role in coordinating two other hush money deals that benefitted Trump and is also called a "fixer."

Donald Trump has violated 10 gag orders

Soon after the court was adjourned on Friday, May 10, Trump took a swipe at Judge Juan Merchan for denying a gag order on Cohen. 

“There is no gag order for Michael Cohen. What the judge did was amazing, actually," Trump said outside of the courtroom.

"Everybody can say whatever they want, but I’m not allowed to say anything about anybody. It’s a disgrace,” he said. “What he just did now is a joke. It’s a disgrace,” Trump added further, ABC News reported. 

Trump’s gag order bars him from attacking witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and the judge’s family. It doesn’t bar him from criticizing the judge or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump has already been in contempt for 10 gag order violations. 

Internet reaction after Donald Trump takes a swipe at judge over Micheal Cohen

There were mixed responses on the internet with some in favor of Trump and some rallying for Cohen. 

"Keep a list of all the denied requests. Something tells me this list is going to come in handy," wrote one on X. 

"This whole thing is such a joke. Defense needs to bring up everything he posted/said in their cross-examination," suggested one. 

"Michael Cohen isn't the criminal defendant, Trump is," impressed another X user.  One joked, "It’s amazing alright.. a Judge should have done this back in 2016… we’d all be better off."

One argued saying, "We know. He is a witness and does not threaten the judge or intimidate the jury."

"Trump: I'm not allowed to say anything about anybody. Does TRAITOR Trump EVER speak the TRUTH?" wrote another. "Simple remedy, TESTIFY" suggested one. 

"Nobody cries harder than Donald Trump. The greatest crier in the world," joked one more.  "Let Michael speak!! Redeem himself for all the times he helped Trump, hurting hard-working honest people along the way!!" wrote one more. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.