NEW YORK - The judge presiding over Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial fined the former president US$9,000 (S$12,300) on April 30 for online posts that were deemed to violate a gag order in the case.
Justice Juan Merchan issued the fine as the trial resumed in New York, featuring testimony from a banker with knowledge of the accounts involved in Trump's alleged scheme to influence the 2016 election by concealing a sex scandal.
The fine was slightly lower than the US$10,000 penalty that prosecutors had requested for 10 online posts in which Trump insulted potential witnesses and questioned the impartiality of the jury. This ruling demonstrates the court's commitment to upholding the gag order and maintaining the integrity of the trial process.
Judge Juan Merchan will decide whether additional fines are warranted for other statements made by Donald Trump at a hearing on May 2. The judge has also ordered Trump to remove the offending statements from his Truth Social account and his campaign website.
Trump could face jail time for further violations of the gag order, which Judge Merchan imposed to prevent criticism of witnesses and others involved in the trial. The gag order underscores the court's effort to ensure a fair legal process without undue external influence.
Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election, is facing charges of falsifying business records to cover up a US$130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims to have had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has pleaded not guilty and has denied having sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the former president continues to maintain his innocence and is expected to defend himself vigorously in court.
The historic criminal trial, the first of its kind involving a former president, began on April 22. Outside the courthouse on April 30, roughly two dozen Trump supporters gathered to rally, chanting his name and waving banners with slogans like "Trump 24." A local Republican organization had encouraged supporters to attend after Trump expressed disappointment over the lack of visible protests against the trial. Despite the relatively small crowd, their presence underscored the ongoing support for Trump as he navigates the legal process while pursuing his bid for the 2024 presidential election.
Banker Garry Farro, who is not implicated in any crime, testified on April 26 about financial records linked to Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who prosecutors allege played a key role in the scheme to cover up hush money payments. Farro's testimony adds to the growing body of evidence presented in this high-profile trial.
Trump is required to attend the trial, despite expressing frustration that his court appearances interfere with his 2024 presidential campaign activities. He is preparing for a possible rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming November 5 election.
This criminal case is one of four pending against Trump, but it may be the only one to go to trial and reach a verdict before the election. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Trump's political future and his ongoing campaign efforts. Despite these legal challenges, he continues to maintain his innocence and denies the allegations brought against him.
