Analysis: Judge’s warning provides dilemma for Trump over whether he will risk jail for a political point | CNN Politics
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Donald Trump and the judge presiding over his hush money trial are staring each other down with profound implications for the former president, the coming election and the rule of law in the United States.

Donald Trump and the judge presiding over his hush money trial are staring each other down with profound implications for the former president, the coming election and the rule of law in the United States.

Juan Merchan is now closer than any judge in American history to putting an ex-president behind bars after laying down a red line he says he may have no choice but to enforce if Trump does not start obeying the rules.

Merchan on Monday found Trump had yet again violated a gag order that precludes attacks on witnesses, the jury and others, days after he fined him $1,000 each for nine previous transgressions. But he noted that the defendant wasn’t getting the message and warned he would have to escalate if necessary and appropriate in the future, as much as he sees the option as a “last resort.”

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The timing of the judge’s warning was significant because several moments of maximum stress are approaching for Trump with testimony expected soon from his former lawyer Michael Cohen and former adult film star Stormy Daniels.

  • jballs@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    392·
    7 个月前

    Merchan then said, quote, “it appears as if the thousand-dollar fines are not serving as a deterrent” and added, “the last thing I want to do is put you in jail. You are the former president of the United States and possibly the future president of the United States.”

    I mean, we already knew there was a two-tiered justice system in the United States. But I guess it’s nice to finally have a judge confirm it.

    • IamSparticles@lemmy.zipEnglish
      24·
      7 个月前

      I don’t think that’s entirely fair to the judge. There is no precedent for imprisoning a former president or someone who is currently running for president . There are real legal and logistical problems with doing so. Meanwhile $1k is literally the maximum amount the judge can legally fine him for each infraction. Judges get a lot of latitude in deciding how to deal with people who are violating a court order, but in this case he risks setting off a political shitstorm and I do not envy him.

      • Belgdore@lemm.ee
        81·
        7 个月前

        There are no legal or logistical issues. Contempt of court is contempt of court. But you’re right that jailing Trump would make him a political martyr to his supporters and that would become a massive shitstorm.

        • Animated_beans@lemmy.worldEnglish
          4·
          7 个月前

          By logistical issues, I assume they mean the logistics of having secret service in the jail along with the president

    • stoly@lemmy.world
      5·
      7 个月前

      Separate what is “yeah the rich get away with everything” from “and this dude was once president” and you can see that this is still a unique situation that has less to do with his wealth.