Trump Defies Gag Order, Faces Jail Threat amid Criminal Trial

Former President Donald Trump rails against criminal trial in New York, blasts testimony from Stormy Daniels as "garbage," and defies gag order, risking jail time.

Amidst a turbulent criminal trial in Manhattan, former President Donald Trump continues to vent his frustrations, dismissing the proceedings as "garbage" and defiantly violating a court-imposed gag order.

On Tuesday morning, Trump's son Eric took to social media to denounce the testimony of Stormy Daniels, a former pornographic actress alleging an affair with Trump in 2006. Eric Trump branded the testimony "garbage" and accused prosecutors of focusing on a "salacious show" rather than the "merits of this case."

The trial stems from allegations that Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels $130,000 to silence her claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records, a felony that carries potential jail time.

Prosecutors maintain that Cohen's payments to Daniels were fraudulently recorded as legal expenses. They are attempting to prove Trump falsified records with intent to commit or conceal another crime.

Presiding Judge Juan Merchan has cautioned prosecutors against excessive detail in their questioning, expressing concerns that the trial is veering into unnecessary territory.

Beyond his son's social media outburst, Trump himself has repeatedly attacked the trial as "unfair" and a politically motivated "witch hunt." He has also defied a gag order prohibiting him from commenting publicly on witnesses or court proceedings.

Merchan has threatened Trump with jail time for violating the gag order, which Trump has characterized as "unconstitutional" and an infringement on his free speech rights.

Trump has faced escalating fines for violating the order, with Merchan recently imposing a $1,000 penalty for an additional transgression. Should Trump continue to defy the order, Merchan has indicated he will consider a jail sentence.

Trump has expressed willingness to face jail time to protect his constitutional rights. "Our Constitution is much more important than jail," he told reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom.

The trial, which resumed on Monday after a three-week hiatus, is expected to continue with further testimony and legal arguments. Trump maintains his innocence and has characterized the allegations against him as a "hoax."

Observers have noted that the prosecution's case rests on proving Trump's intent to commit a crime. The defense, meanwhile, is expected to focus on undermining the credibility of witnesses and challenging the prosecution's interpretation of the evidence.

The outcome of the trial could have significant political implications for Trump, as he weighs a potential bid for the presidency in 2024.