Judge finds Trump in contempt, fines him $9,000 for violating the gag order ... trends now
Donald Trump has been found in contempt of court for violating the hush money trial gag order and fined $9,000.
Judge Juan Merchan also warned the former president he could face jail if he does it again in a stern warning to start the third week of the case, and ripped some of his own arguments as 'absurd.'
There was some good news for the 77-year-old, as Judge Merchan ruled he could attend Barron's high school graduation next month.
Trump was fined $1,000 each for a serious of social media posts that targeted witness Michael Cohen and questioned the bias of the jury.
Donald Trump has been found in contempt of court for violating the hush money trial gag order and fined $9,000
The judge also Trump to remove the offending posts, which included calling potential witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels 'sleaze balls.'
The decision follows a contentious court hearing where Trump's lawyer contended that none of the posts or statements violated the gag order and cited arguments grounded in the First Amendment.
The judge acknowledged those sensibilities, saying he was 'keenly aware of, and protective of, Defendant's First Amendment rights, particularly given his candidacy for the office of President of the United States.'
He said those rights must not be curtailed, being able to 'fully campaign for the office which he seeks and that he be able to respond and defend himself against political attacks.' But he called the gag order 'narrowly tailored to prevent risk.
Sweetener: Even as Judge Mercan found Trump in contempt, he ruled that he could attend his son Barron's graduation in May
Judge Merchan held Trump in contempt and fined him $9,000 for violations of a 'gag' order he imposed
And he threatened to impose an 'incarceratory sentence' if Trump continued.
It was the latest development in the Stormy Daniels 'hush' money trial that has brought a series of revelations, including which celebrities, powerbrokers, and golf pros had their numbers logged by Trump's longtime assistant.
Trump directed criticism at
