The Manhattan District Attorney’s office requested on Monday that former President Donald Trump be fined for allegedly breaching a gag order with his posts on social media about his ongoing criminal hush money trial.
Assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy argued that Trump’s comments on Truth Social about potential witnesses and others involved in the case violated the restrictions set by Judge Juan Merchan, and proposed a $1,000 fine for each of the three posts identified as violations.
During the proceedings, which marked the start of Trump’s trial, Conroy highlighted specific posts, including one where Trump referenced Michael Avenatti and called Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen “sleazebags.”
Donald Trump (Credits: ConchoValleyHomepage.com)
Another post cited by prosecutors was Trump’s sharing of an outdated statement by Daniels denying an affair with him, which she has since recanted.
Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Todd Blanche, defended the former president’s actions, claiming the posts were responses to attacks from the witnesses and did not violate the gag order. They argued that Trump was merely addressing public remarks made against him.
The gag order, imposed on April 1, prohibits Trump from making public comments about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and the families of those involved in the trial. This order was expanded to include the families after Trump made comments about Judge Merchan’s daughter.
Presidential Candidate Donald Trump (Credits: Colorado Springs Gazette)
Judge Merchan did not make an immediate decision on the DA’s request for fines but scheduled an April 23 hearing to further discuss the matter. The dispute over the gag order continues, with Trump’s appeal still pending before a New York appeals court.
The trial and the issues surrounding the gag order underscore the ongoing legal challenges and the tense atmosphere surrounding the high-profile case, which could have serious implications for Trump’s political future.
