Judge Juan Merchan acknowledged in court on Monday that former President Donald Trump could potentially become the next president. This acknowledgment was made in light of recent favorable polls and the fact that Trump’s business records trial is taking place during a presidential election that directly impacts the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
Merchan warned Trump about the consequences of violating a gag order placed on him, emphasizing that he is a former president and could potentially be the next one. The judge stated that he would consider jail time for Trump if he continued to breach the gag order, which prohibits him from discussing prosecutors, court staff, Merchan’s family members, witnesses, including Michael Cohen, and jurors.
Last week, Merchan held Trump in contempt of court for violating the gag order nine times and fined him $1,000 for each violation. On Monday, the judge noted that Trump had violated the order for a tenth time.
Trump, upon entering the courtroom, dismissed the situation as a political hoax and election interference, declaring it as unfair. He vowed to fight against the restrictions imposed on him.
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