Trump Embraces Prospect of Jail Over Gag Order Violation
In a defiant message, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to face incarceration for defying a gag order related to his upcoming trial. Trump’s bold declaration came through a post on his Truth Social platform, where he stated it would be “my great honor” to go to jail, comparing his potential plight to that of Nelson Mandela.
The gag order, issued by Justice Juan Merchan, is part of the proceedings in a New York state court where Trump will stand trial. The charges involve a $130,000 payment made before the 2016 election to porn star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, to prevent her from discussing an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.
Trump’s trial is set to commence on April 15, amidst his campaign for the upcoming November 5 U.S. presidential election against incumbent Democrat Joe Biden. The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records and has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and denying any encounter with Daniels.
Justice Merchan recently broadened the scope of the gag order after Trump made disparaging remarks about Merchan’s daughter. The order now explicitly includes Trump’s family members, prohibiting them from publicly commenting on witnesses and court staff.
This hush-money trial is just one of four criminal cases that Trump is currently involved in as he prepares for the election. Despite the charges, Trump has consistently denounced them as politically motivated and has entered pleas of not guilty across all cases. The trial in Manhattan could be the only one to proceed before voters head to the polls.
