In the ongoing trial over hush money payments involving former US President Donald Trump, the presiding judge has issued a firm warning, cautioning Trump against further breaches of gag orders. The judge’s admonishment came after Trump’s repeated violations of the gag order, resulting in an additional $1,000 fine for his recent criticism of jurors during his high-profile criminal trial. Despite accruing fines totaling $9,000, Trump continues to defy the restrictions.

The gag order, which prohibits Trump, a potential Republican presidential candidate, from publicly commenting on jurors, witnesses, and the families of the judge and prosecutors, has been repeatedly disregarded by Trump. Justice Juan Merchan emphasized that while incarceration would be a last resort, Trump’s persistent infractions undermine the integrity of the legal process. The trial, now in its twelfth day, has seen testimony from key figures such as Michael Cohen, a former top aide, and David Pecker, a former tabloid publisher.

New York prosecutors have charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleges a sexual encounter with him in 2006. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 felony counts. Trump has dismissed the trial as politically motivated, attributing it to an attempt to damage his reputation.

In terms of public perception, Trump’s supporters, particularly Republicans, view the case as politically motivated, aimed at undermining his potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. They criticize the timing of the trial and argue that individuals like Michael Cohen openly discuss the trial on social media without facing consequences. This division underscores the polarized opinions surrounding the trial, with many Americans closely following its developments and questioning its underlying motivations.