A judge fined Donald Trump $9,000 for saying things he couldn’t. Here are the key points:
- Trump made posts on social media and his campaign website
- The posts broke the rules about what he could say in his current trial
- The judge found Trump guilty of “contempt of court” for breaking the rules
- He warned Trump could go to jail if he keeps breaking the rules
Do you think it’s fair for the judge to fine Trump? Or should Trump be allowed to say whatever he wants? Read on to learn more.
What Did Trump Do Wrong?
Trump is facing criminal charges related to an alleged payment made to an adult film actress before the 2016 presidential election. The presiding judge instructed Trump not to make any statements that could potentially sway or unduly influence the members of the jury tasked with determining the verdict.
However, Trump posted things on Truth Social and his website anyway. The posts talked about the case and criticized witnesses testifying against him.
The judge reviewed 10 of Trump’s posts and found that 9 violated the court’s order not to speak about the trial publicly. So Trump was held in contempt of court and fined $1,000 for each violation, totaling $9,000.
Why a Fine and Not Jail Time?
The judge could jail Trump for breaking court rules. However, for now, he has only issued a fine.
Some legal experts think jailing Trump could cause protests and unrest. It could also help Trump’s campaign by making him look like a victim.
So, the judge is taking a cautious approach with fines first. However, he warned that Trump could face jail time if he kept violating the court order.
Trump Calls Fine “No Big Deal”
Trump downplayed the significance of the contempt ruling and fine. He claimed $9,000 is a tiny amount for a billionaire like him.
One of Trump’s lawyers stated that the OK “means nothing” and that they would appeal it. Trump himself posted online that the judge is biased against him.
However, prosecutors argued the fine was necessary and appropriate since Trump repeatedly defied the court order despite warnings.
Trial Testimony Continues
While the contempt ruling played out, witnesses kept taking the stand in Trump’s criminal trial. This week, a witness described financial dealings involving the hush money payment.
The critical testimony is expected from Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors may use audiotapes where Trump allegedly admits knowledge of the hush money scheme.
Defence lawyers have argued that the payment was to protect Trump’s reputation, not to influence the election outcome.
However, prosecutors say Trump’s false statements about the payment on his business records amount to a crime.
What’s Next?
Trump now has until Friday to pay the $9,000 fine and remove the social media posts that broke the court order. His lawyers vowed to appeal the contempt ruling.
As the legal proceedings regarding the alleged hush money payment move forward, additional testimony from witnesses is anticipated in the days and weeks ahead. The crux of the case will hinge on whether the jury is convinced that Trump was aware his actions violated laws governing campaign finances.
Do you think Trump’s social media posts and public comment.
