Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been slapped with another fine in his ongoing fraud trial. This time, the fine amounts to $10,000 for violating a gag order imposed by the court.
According to Usnews, the fine was levied by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Schecter, who is overseeing the trial. This marks the second time Trump has been fined for violating the gag order, which prohibits parties involved in the case from discussing it publicly.
The violation occurred when Trump released a statement criticizing the trial and calling it a "witch hunt." The statement was disseminated through his Save America PAC, which has been a primary channel for Trump to communicate with his supporters since he was banned from social media platforms.
Justice Schecter had previously warned Trump that further violations of the gag order would result in increased fines. The initial fine was $5,000, and this latest penalty doubles that amount. The judge stated that the fine is intended to deter Trump from making further public comments that could jeopardize the trial.
The trial itself centers around allegations that the Trump Organization inflated the value of its assets to secure loans and tax benefits. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, labeling the trial as politically motivated.
The gag order was initially imposed to ensure a fair trial and to prevent any undue influence on potential jurors. Despite the fines and warnings, Trump has continued to make public statements about the case, raising questions about his compliance with court orders.
Legal experts suggest that continued violations could lead to more severe consequences, including the possibility of contempt of court charges. As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on Trump's behavior and whether he will adhere to the court's directives.
