Judge fines Trump $9,000, threatens jail for contempt in hush money trial

Lawyer Merchan highlighted Blanche’s failure to present evidence supporting Trump’s claims of prior attacks by expected witnesses. Consequently, Trump faces a $9,000 fine, a modest penalty given his substantial bond postings in ongoing civil cases totaling $266.6 million.

Reuters reports the prospect of imprisonment looms large in this unprecedented criminal trial involving a former US president. Questions surround the potential incarceration venue, with uncertainty whether Trump would be confined to New York City’s Rikers Island or placed under more lenient conditions, possibly home confinement in his Trump Tower triplex due to security concerns and Secret Service protection.

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Trump, the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, stands accused of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Maintaining his innocence, Trump denies any liaison with Daniels.

Key testimony emerged from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, revealing the tabloid’s role in suppressing damaging stories about Trump prior to the 2016 election. Pecker disclosed the practice of “catch and kill,” exemplified by the tabloid’s payment for ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal’s account of an alleged affair with Trump, which was never published.

Lawyer Keith Davidson, representing McDougal, testified about the understanding that selling her story to the Enquirer would benefit Trump’s campaign. Trump’s required presence at the trial conflicts with his potential campaign activities leading up to his anticipated rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in the forthcoming election.

Amidst a flurry of legal challenges, this criminal case, among four pending against Trump, holds particular significance as it could culminate in a verdict before the electoral showdown.