Trump's Dislike of Gag Order Doesn't Mean He Can Break It
WASHINGTON -- It took the threat of being jailed to move former President Donald Trump to show some respect for the criminal justice system.
On Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan fined Trump $9,000 -- the $1,000 maximum for nine violations of a gag order that Merchan had imposed on Trump's "extrajudicial statements."
Because the loss of $9,000 means nothing to a billionaire and seems unlikely to check Trump's big mouth, Merchan warned that if Trump continues to violate the gag order, "jail may be necessary."
With the threat of incarceration, Trump promptly removed the offending posts.
I've written repeatedly about problems with the justice system's treatment of Trump, especially this hush money case. (Trump has pleaded not guilty.) I meant every word I wrote about prosecutorial overreach.
But the fact that Trump doesn't like a gag order doesn't mean he is free to violate it.
"I don't like this" is not a legal argument.
As usual, Trump sees himself as the victim here. He posted on Truth Social, "I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED."
Trump added, "ELECTION INTERFERENCE!"
The former president wants America to think that Merchan is keeping him from engaging in political speech as he runs for the White House.
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