Judge Juan Merchan has held Donald Trump in contempt of court for the 10th time, citing additional violations of a gag order. The judge stated, “I find you in criminal contempt for the 10th time… In the future, this court will have to consider a jail sanction.” Merchan noted that the $1,000 fine imposed previously has not deterred Trump’s behavior effectively.
The judge emphasized that incarceration is a last resort, saying, “The last thing I want to do is put you in jail… You are the former president of the United States and possibly the next president.” Merchan acknowledged the importance of the decision, stating, “The magnitude of this decision is not lost on me, but at the end of the day, I have a job to do.”
Donald Trump (Credits: The Telegraph)
Merchan continued, “So, as much as I don’t want to impose a jail sanction… I want you to understand that I will if necessary and appropriate.” He emphasized the importance of protecting the dignity of the judicial system, saying, “But at the end of the day, I have a job to do, and part of that job is to protect the dignity of this judicial system.”
As the ruling was handed down, Trump shook his head, and Merchan stated, “Your continued willful violations of this court’s lawful order constitute a direct attack on the rule of law.” The judge’s decision marks an escalation in the legal proceedings against Trump, and it remains to be seen how Trump will respond to the latest contempt finding.
