'Run by fascists': Hush money trial judge slammed as he threatens Trump with jail if he doesn't 'show up'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a landmark legal showdown, former President Donald Trump faces a stark ultimatum: attend his ongoing criminal trial or risk immediate incarceration.

The warning was issued on Monday, April 15, by Judge Juan Merchan, marking an unprecedented moment in American judicial history.

The trial, unfolding in Manhattan, centers on allegations that Trump conspired to falsify business records, specifically concerning a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election.

Trump, who faces 34 counts of falsifying business records, maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.

Judge Merchan's cautionary remarks

During proceedings, Judge Merchan cautioned Trump against disruption, emphasizing the consequences of absenteeism.

"If you disrupt the proceedings, you can be excluded from the courtroom and committed to jail based on your conduct and the trial will continue on in your absence," Merchan told Trump, per a transcript that MSNBC legal analyst Katie Phang posted on X.

"If you do not show up, there will be an arrest," the judge continued. "Do you understand?"

Trump, in response, affirmed his understanding of the gravity of the situation. "I do," he said.

However, the former president's legal troubles extend beyond attendance concerns. The prosecution also seeks to hold Trump in contempt for allegedly violating Merchan's gag order, particularly through social media attacks on witnesses and court members.

The District Attorney's Office pursued sanctions against Trump, including fines and mandates to remove his social media posts, with potential jail time for repeat offenses.

Despite previous fines in civil cases for similar infractions, Trump's adherence to the gag order remains contentious, with further deliberations scheduled for April 23.

Merchan's impartiality has been challenged by Trump's legal team, who sought his recusal citing familial ties to Democratic political activities. The judge, however, affirmed his commitment to upholding justice, denying Trump's request and rebuffing claims of bias.

“There is no agenda here,” he said Monday before rejecting the request. “We want to follow the law. We want justice to be done,” he added.

Trump's efforts to delay the trial and disqualify Merchan persist, evidenced by a recent civil action seeking appellate intervention. Yet, legal experts view these maneuvers as improbable, with limited prospects for success, per the New York Times.

Social media backlash

The unfolding legal saga has ignited fervent reactions on social media.

"This is f**king dumb! Election interference at its finest," one posted on X.

"Why even bother with the trial? The entire thing is obviously rigged against Trump. If they think jailing him will stop us from reelecting him, they're going to be sorely disappointed. They're only ensuring his victory," another wrote.

"This is criminal. This is actual election interference. They're coming at Trump with everything they have. We are being run by fascists," a comment read.

"Arrest him. We all dare you. Quickest way to secure the 2024 Election. Everyone sees it," someone else chimed in.

"Disbar Judge Merchan. He's a politically motivated hack," another commented.

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