Trump trolled as judge Juan Merchan made him sit 'like a man addressing his dog' during hush money trial

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, in a power move, reminded Donald Trump that he was not the head of the US but a defendant in a criminal case when he ordered the former president to 'have a seat' until he exited the courtroom.

The Daily Beast's Jose Pagliery reported that during the fourth day of the historic hush money trial on Friday, April 19, in the Manhattan courtroom, the judge had to firmly demand the GOP presumptive nominee to sit down after he suddenly stood up before Merchan wrapped up his sentence.

Day four of the trial ended with the court completing the jury selection with 12 jurors and six alternatives.

Judge's firm order to Trump

Trump's hastiness, after an hour-long debate between the prosecution and the defense, apparently irked Judge Merchan.

"Merchan turned his face to the former president and said in a firm voice: 'Sir, can you please have a seat,'" Pagliery wrote about the dramatic events in the courtroom. "His long, black robes dangled from beneath his right hand as he waved it down, like a man addressing his dog."

The Daily Beast reporter who was present at the hearing described the judge's tone at the moment as "decidedly sharper."

"Without hesitation, Trump went and plopped straight back down into his maroon leather chair at the defense table—and remained for another minute, fuming as the judge gathered his paperwork and strolled toward his chambers," Pagliery wrote.

Shortly before this short exchange, Merchan indicated a contempt hearing when the court commences on Tuesday, April 23, to punish the former president for repeatedly violating a gag order by making public remarks threatening potential witnesses and jurors.

After the judge left the courtroom, Trump stood up quickly and went straight to the back in fury, according to Pagliery. "He looked straight toward the wooden double doors in back, ignoring reporters in the pews and clicking his tongue as he approached the EXIT sign."

Besides the drama unfolding inside the courtroom, Friday's hearing took another sick turn when a man self-immolated outside the Manhattan courtroom. Thirty seven-year-old Florida man Max Azzarello set himself ablaze at a park near the courthouse after sharing a conspiracy theory that the people were victims of a "totalitarian con." He later succumbed to his injury.

Internet mocks Trump

The former president faced online trolling for acting like he held authority over the judge.

One user wrote on Facebook, "The petulant child was reprimanded.. poor fellow." Meanwhile, another remarked, "Poor baby, is he pouting? The Judge asked him nicely to sit. Trump just doesn't like any authority which is shown throughout his life of cheating and lying. He still thinks these courts are beneath him ."

"Now they just need to put a muzzle on Trump!" a third user added.

A user on X quipped, "Dude, you’re Mr. Trump again. You lost the presidency three years ago." One response read, "I sure hope they pat him down."

"Donald can't pretend he's president in the court," an individual wrote.

Someone else added, "Should be facing the wall on time out." Another remark read, "Trump would stand up and storm out in the civil trial in Judge Engoron’s court - so force of habit."

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.