In the ongoing hush money trial involving Former U.S. President Donald Trump, Justice Juan Merchan imposed a fine of $9,000 on Tuesday for Trump’s online posts that breached a gag order in the case. This penalty follows a request from prosecutors seeking a $10,000 fine for ten posts that not only insulted potential witnesses but also cast doubt on the jury’s impartiality.
The trial in New York resumed with testimony from a banker well-versed with accounts linked to Trump’s alleged efforts to influence the 2016 election by concealing a sex scandal. While Merchan deliberates on whether further fines are warranted for other statements, he has ordered Trump to remove the offending posts from his Truth Social account and campaign website.
Trump’s violation of the gag order, intended to prevent him from disparaging witnesses and others involved in the case, could potentially land him in jail. The charges against the Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election stem from allegations of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence regarding an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. Trump maintains his innocence, denying any sexual relations with Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford.
This landmark criminal trial, marking the first prosecution of a former U.S. president, commenced on April 22. Outside the courthouse, a group of roughly two dozen Trump supporters rallied, chanting his name and displaying banners advocating for his candidacy in the upcoming election. Banker Garry Farro, a witness in the trial, provided testimony regarding financial records linked to Trump’s former attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen, who prosecutors allege facilitated the payment to Daniels.
Despite his legal obligations, Trump has expressed interest in prioritizing campaign activities for his anticipated rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden on November 5. Among the several legal challenges faced by Trump, this trial stands out as potentially the only one to reach a verdict before the election
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
