Judge in N.Y. Criminal Trial Tells Trump Lawyer He Is Losing Credibility

The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial criticized Trump’s lawyer on Tuesday, stating that he is “losing all credibility” for violating a gag order preventing him from publicly criticizing witnesses and others involved in the case.

Prosecutors requested a $10,000 fine for Trump’s violation of the order. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche argued that Trump was responding to political attacks and should not be punished. Justice Juan Merchan, the judge, did not immediately make a ruling on the prosecution’s request.

During the hearing, Merchan became frustrated with Blanche for failing to provide specific examples of the attacks Trump was responding to. The judge pointed out that Blanche lacked evidence to support his argument.

“You’ve presented nothing,” Merchan said. “I’ve asked you eight or nine times, show me the exact post he was responding to. You’ve not even been able to do that once.”

Merchan added, “Mr. Blanche, you’re losing all credibility. I have to tell you right now, you’re losing all credibility with the court.”

Following the hearing, Trump took to social media to claim that the gag order infringed upon his constitutional right to free speech.

“This is a kangaroo court and the judge should recuse himself!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The gag order prohibits Trump from publicly criticizing witnesses, court officials, and their relatives.

New York prosecutor Christopher Conroy accused Trump of violating the order with posts on Truth Social, particularly pointing to an April 10 post where Trump referred to porn star Stormy Daniels and former lawyer Michael Cohen as “sleazebags.” Both individuals are expected to testify in the trial.

Conroy stated that Trump’s disobedience of the order was intentional and willful, prompting the prosecution to seek a $10,000 fine. Conroy clarified that the request did not include asking Merchan to jail Trump for up to 30 days, as permitted by New York law.

Blanche defended Trump’s posts as responses to political attacks by Cohen, unrelated to his expected testimony.

FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS

Trump was charged with falsifying business records by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to conceal a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 U.S. election. Prosecutors allege this was part of a wider conspiracy to hide unfavorable information from voters amidst accusations of sexual misconduct. Trump maintains his innocence.

In his opening statement, Blanche argued that Trump did not commit any crimes, stating that Trump acted to protect his family and reputation. He accused Daniels of attempting to profit from a false accusation.

Jurors heard more testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker on Tuesday, who allegedly participated in a scheme to suppress negative stories about Trump and influence the election.

Pecker admitted his company paid for stories, including a payment to Karen McDougal for her alleged affair with Trump in 2006-2007. The National Enquirer also paid a doorman for a story about Trump fathering a child, which turned out to be false.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing, stating the payments were personal and did not violate election law.