Former President Donald Trump was fined again for violating a gag order.
Judge Juan M. Merchan, who is presiding over Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan, fine Trump $1,000 for comments he made on “Just the News No Noise,” a program on Real America’s Voice, per the Associated Press.
Trump spoke out against the speed jury selection was moving. He also claimed the jury was mostly Democrats.
“The jury was picked so fast. 95% Democrats. The area’s mostly all Democrat,” he said.
Merchan said Trump’s comments “not only called into question the integrity, and therefore the legitimacy of these proceedings, but again raised the specter of fear for the safety of the jurors and of their loved ones.”
The judge said Trump’s statements “threaten to interfere with the fair administration of justice and constitute a direct attack on the rule of law. I cannot allow that to continue.”
Merchan also warned Trump he could face jail time for future violations.
“As much as I don’t want to impose a jail sanction,” Merchan said. “I want you to understand that I will have to if necessary and appropriate.”
The prosecution had accused Trump of four violations, but the judge ruled he only violated one.
Merchan previously fined Trump $9,000 for nine violations in posts on Truth Social and his website, per the outlet.
