Donald Trump could potentially face more sanctions for violating a gag order in his hush money trial as witness testimony resumes on Thursday. Judge Juan M. Merchan is set to hold a hearing regarding four new online posts that prosecutors claim breach the court's mandate prohibiting the former president from publicly discussing jurors or key witnesses in the case. Earlier this week, Merchan found Trump in contempt of court, imposing a $9,000 fine for nine previous online posts and warning of potential jail time for further violations.
The trial, now in its 10th day, has been focusing on witness testimony, with Keith Davidson expected to return to the stand after detailing his involvement in negotiating hush money deals with the National Enquirer and Michael Cohen on behalf of Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors allege that Trump engaged in a scheme to influence the 2016 election by purchasing and concealing damaging stories.
Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments, including the $130,000 payment to Daniels by Cohen, recording them as legal expenses instead. He has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president and the first of four prosecutions of Trump to reach a jury.
Latest Updates on the Trial
The trial is expected to continue for at least another month, with jurors hearing testimony four days a week. Trump, who views the prosecution as an attempt to hinder his 2024 campaign, is required to be present in court. The judge has scheduled breaks in the trial, including one for Trump to attend his son's graduation and another for a juror's travel plans.
Key witness Keith Davidson will take the stand again to provide further testimony on the hush money deals he facilitated. During his previous testimony, Davidson outlined the events leading to the agreements, including interactions with Cohen and the use of pseudonyms in the deals. Daniels and McDougal have made allegations against Trump, which he has denied.
Trump, during a break in the trial, criticized the judge overseeing the case and expressed frustration over the gag order restricting his public comments on the trial. Despite the order, Trump remains free to criticize the judge.
As the trial resumes, a new hearing on potential gag order violations will precede witness testimony. Prosecutors have accused Trump of breaching the order in four recent online posts, leading to the imposition of sanctions and the possibility of further penalties as Trump navigates his legal responsibilities while campaigning for the GOP presidential nomination.
