Judge warns of possible imprisonment for Trump over clear and deliberate disregard of gag order

A judge in New York has warned Donald Trump that he could face imprisonment for violating a gag order in his civil fraud trial. Judge Arthur Engoron stated in court that the former president had not removed a social media post that mocked a court clerk as instructed. The judge demanded that Trump take down the post, which he described as "untrue and disparaging." Although the post was deleted from social media, it remained on Trump's website. Judge Engoron emphasized the potential harm caused by spreading false information and stated that the defendant must provide a compelling explanation to avoid serious consequences or imprisonment. Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, apologized on behalf of his client, claiming it was an unintentional oversight as the post was removed from Truth Social but not the campaign website. Judge Engoron stated that he would consider the matter and deliver a ruling at a later time. Trump and several family members are currently facing trial for fraud, falsification of business records, issuing false financial statements, and conspiracy. The ongoing civil trial aims to determine the damages resulting from the fraud that the judge has already determined Trump committed by inflating his net worth to secure favorable loan agreements. The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, who brought the case, is seeking $250 million in penalties and extensive restrictions on Trump's businesses. On October 3rd, Judge Engoron issued a gag order against Trump after the former president made a post on his social media site, Truth Social, disparaging the judge's clerk. In the post, Trump falsely claimed that she was the girlfriend of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, accompanying the statement with a photo. Additionally, Judge Engoron reprimanded Trump earlier in the week when he repeatedly disrupted a real estate appraiser's testimony. On the same day, a court employee was arrested for expressing a desire to assist Trump during trial proceedings. This New York fraud case represents one of the numerous legal challenges that Trump is facing this year, including federal and state criminal charges.