Justice Juan Merchan imposed a $9,000 fine on former President Donald Trump for violating a gag order related to his criminal hush money trial. The trial, ongoing in New York, centers on allegations that Trump attempted to conceal a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to silence her about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter.
Trump, a Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election, faces charges of falsifying business records in connection with the payment to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. He has maintained his innocence, denying any sexual involvement with Daniels.
This landmark trial, the first of its kind involving a former US president, commenced on April 22. As proceedings resumed, Trump faced the repercussions of breaching the court’s gag order.
Amidst the trial, a group of roughly two dozen Trump supporters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting his name and displaying banners reading “TRUMP 24.” Their presence followed Trump’s criticism of the lack of public protest against the trial.
Testimony from banker Garry Farro, unrelated to any alleged wrongdoing, shed light on financial records associated with Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors argue that Cohen played a pivotal role in executing the hush money scheme.
Trump’s attendance at the trial is mandatory, although he has expressed a preference for campaign activities in anticipation of his rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming election.
While Trump faces multiple legal challenges, this trial may be the sole instance to proceed to a verdict before the election, highlighting its significance in the broader legal landscape surrounding the former president.
