Judge loses patience with Trump lawyer as he claims there was no gag order violation
Justice Juan Merchan appeared to lose patience with Donald Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, in the hearing on Thursday about potential violations of a gag order, legal analysts and reporters in the courtroom posted on social media.
Trump has already been found to have broken the order nine times. Thursday's hearing came after the Manhattan District Attorney's office accused him of four new violations.
The latest accusations are related to Trump's attacks on his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who will be a witness in the trial. According to the gag order, Trump cannot publicly attack any witnesses.
Trump faces 34 felony charges involving "hush money" payments allegedly made to adult film star Stormy Daniels through Cohen to cover up a sexual relationship with the former president.
Trump then is accused of paying the money back to Cohen by claiming it was legal expenses and a "retainer." Cohen was an employee of the Trump Organization at the time, but with a salary.
Blanche complained that Trump has been unable to respond to the press and statements about him because of the order.
"Everyone in the world can say everything that they want," he claimed.
Justice Merchan explained that the difference is Trump is a criminal defendant.
Another attack being discussed Thursday was on the jury itself. In that case, Blanche appeared to admit his client violated the order.
"What about the comments made about the jury?" Merchan asked.
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Trump called the jury “99 percent Democrat” and alleged the selection process was rushed.
“The implication being that this is not a fair jury,” the judge explained.
Blanche responded not with a "yes or no," but with an excuse.
"It was 15 seconds from a 20-minute interview," said Blanche. "We very much believe that this is a political persecution — a political trial.
“Did he violate the gag order? That’s all I want to know?" Merchan demanded to know.
Blanche replied, "Absolutely not," but when attempting to continue, the judge cut him off.
"You've made your point. You've made your point," Merchan said.
The comment came moments before the jury was scheduled to come into the courtroom to continue the trial.