CONTEMPT! How Trump’s lawyer MISHANDLED his hearing
At the end of a contempt hearing on the violations of the gag order imposed in the criminal case against Donald Trump, Judge Juan Merchan said he would reserve his decision, but he made his position on the behavior clear as he questioned the defendant’s attorney.
The prosecution presented Judge Merchan with a stack of evidence of ten times they believe Trump violated the gag order, adding that they will be filing for a further hearing over at least one additional violation, which took place outside the courtroom on Monday. Merchan asked for additional clarification on how each contempt violation pertains to the courtroom (rather than the campaign stage), then gave Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, a chance to defend his client.
Blanch argued that Trump knows exactly what the gag order forbids, and that he hasn’t violated it, although he admitted some posts were close to the line. According to reporter Adam Klasfeld, Blanche argued that Trump had to respond to what he deems political attacks by two witnesses, Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels.
Merchan also slapped down some of Blanche’s assertions that Trump was quoting someone else or responding to someone else, thanks to time stamps. In one case, Blanche cited a post by Fox News personality Jesse Watters, and Merchan cut him off to point out that Watters’ words came three hours after Trump’s. In another, Merchan pointed out that Trump could not be responding to an attack by Cohen when Cohen’s comments came after Trump’s.
He also hit back at Blanche’s assertion that reposting content from others is exempt. Judge Merchan asked for case law supporting the claim, and Blanche admitted he had none, arguing instead that it’s “common sense.”
Merchan questioned how Trump’s account works, and was informed there is “a group of people” who repost articles they think Trump’s supporters should see. He pressed Blanche on the fact that Trump, or someone on his behalf, had to type out the claim that “liberal activists” are sneaking onto the jury, and Blanche’s defense of his client was that “every website” is posting about the jury, according to Inner City Press.
He also scolded Blanche multiple times for trying to quiz him back, reminding him, “I’m asking the questions.”
When Blanche assured the court that Trump is “being very careful to comply,” Merchan told him he was “losing all credibility with this court,” according to CNN.
Merchan did not issue a judgment immediately, but the prosecution is seeking $1,000 per violation, as well as a warning of jail time for future violations. The ruling could come later, after a very short day of testimony that will be cut off in the early afternoon.
For his part, Donald Trump immediately launched a social media attack on Judge Merchan as soon as the court took a break after the contempt hearing, writing:
“EVERYBODY IS ALLOWED TO TALK AND LIE ABOUT ME, BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DEFEND MYSELF. THIS IS A KANGAROO COURT, AND THE JUDGE SHOULD RECUSE HIMSELF!” Trump exclaimed in a TruthSocial post.
Even though attacks on the judge are not prohibited by the gag order, it’s obvious that Trump hasn’t learned a thing from his contempt hearing.
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