New York: Donald Trump was held in contempt of court on Tuesday and fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that would have barred him from testifying against witnesses, jurors and some witnesses in his New York hush money case. Others were barred from making public statements. Prosecutors had alleged 10 violations, but New York Judge Juan M. Merchan found there were nine. Still, the ruling was a sharp rebuke to the Republican former president, who had insisted he was exercising his free speech rights. The ruling came at the beginning of the second week of testimony in the historic case. Manhattan prosecutors say Trump and his associates took part in an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential campaign by burying negative stories. He has been found not guilty. Trump was joined in the courtroom by his son Eric, the first time a family member has attended his criminal trial.
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2024-05-01 09:56:30