Judges' Actions Against Trump: Gag Orders, Fines, and Jail Time
Former President Donald Trump has violated a gag order in his civil fraud trial in New York twice and has been fined a total of $15,000. The judge overseeing the trial has warned of harsher fines, contempt of court, and possible imprisonment if Trump continues to violate the order. Trump is also facing a second gag order in a criminal case in Washington, where he is accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. Judges have various options to restrain Trump, including fines, contempt of court, and even jail, but they are likely to exhaust other punishments before resorting to imprisonment. Trump's lawyers argue that the gag orders violate his First Amendment rights, but judges have emphasized the need to protect court staff and the integrity of the proceedings.