Trump faces SEVEN more charges of violating the gag order and faces jail time over reports of ‘liberal activists’ on the jury and ‘perjury’ Michael Cohen
Donald Trump could be held in contempt in the historic hush-money trial after prosecutors made seven more social media posts that they say violate a gag order.
Lawyers from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said the former president should be punished for sharing a New York Post article that called Michael Cohen a “serious perjurer” and an “embarrassment” to the justice system.
Another saw Trump reshare a quote from Fox News host Jesse Watters in which he said the defense team “caught undercover liberal activists lying to the judge” to get on the jury.
Donald Trump could be held in contempt in historic hush-money trial after prosecutors made seven more social media posts they say violate the gag order
Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled a hearing next week on violations of the gag order, and could even face jail time if he continues to ignore the guidelines.
The stern warning heralded the third day of jury selection in the trial, with Trump also risking angering the judge by taking a phone call.
He spoke only briefly before his lead attorney Todd Blanche spoke to him.
Judge Merchan then scolded the media for reporting too many details about the jurors.
He urged the press not to reveal accents, where they work or too much about their physical appearance.
A juror who had already been selected was dramatically dismissed after admitting she could not be impartial.
The juror who dropped out was one of seven people selected so far from a group of hundreds to deliberate on Trump.
Judge Merchan told the court that the juror ‘after sleeping on it, expressed her concerns about her ability to be fair and impartial’.
Prosecutors said this post in which Trump reshared a quote from Fox News host Jesse Watters violated the silence order
Lawyers from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said the former president should be punished for sharing a New York Post article that called Michael Cohen a “serious perjurer” and an “embarrassment” to the justice system.
Trump in court for day three of jury selection in his hush money trial
The woman was then brought before the court and asked by Judge Merchan to explain herself.
She said: ‘Yesterday alone, friends, colleagues and family had pushed things onto my phone, calling into question my identity as a juror.
“I don’t believe I can be fair and unbiased at this point and not let outside influence influence my decision-making in the courtroom.”
Judge Merchan said: ‘I’m sorry you went through that’ and apologized to her.
Judge Merchan also ordered Trump not to assault potential jurors in the case, a rule the former president is in danger of breaking.
CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said the post was “clearly barred by the silence order in this case.”
Trump has repeatedly attacked the credibility of his former fixer Michael Cohen, who was jailed for his part in the ‘hush money’ plot
Deputy Communications Chief Margo Martin enters a convoy vehicle
Trump aide Natalie Harp on her way to court for day three of jury selection
Trump went to court for the third day of jury selection
He added: “Criminal defendants have different and lesser rights than ordinary citizens. They are not allowed to interfere with the trial process, especially if there is a silence order specifically related to attempts to intimidate jurors. It’s just not allowed.’
So far, seven jurors have been selected for deliberation.
They include an oncology nurse, a software engineer, an IT professional, a sales professional, an English teacher and two lawyers.
Judge Merchan has said he expects opening statements in the landmark case to be delivered as soon as next week.
The jury selection process has moved faster than expected and Trump has complained that Judge Merchan is “rushing” the process.