Former President Donald Trump was fined $5,000 by a New York judge on Friday for violating a gag order not to speak about any members of the court staff – and was warned twice about possible imprisonment.
“Donald Trump has received ample warning from this Court as to the possible repercussions of violating the gag order. He specifically acknowledged that he understood and would abide by it,” Judge Arthur Engoron said in his order Friday.
“Accordingly, issuing yet another warning is not longer appropriate; this Court is way behind the ‘warning’ stage.”
At least it wasn’t just a warning, there was a fine attached, but that’s like fining your average middle class person like 25 cents.
Apparently it has to ratchet up, from “inconsequential” to imprisonment, specifically to show the courts increasing frustration.
Otherwise the defendant can claim bias
That’s Trump’s secret, though; he always claim bias.
“would the defendant please put a quarter in the contempt jar”
Only if I could go out and ask my friends and family for the money so I didn’t actually have to pay the $0.25.