The judge in Donald Trump’s blockbuster hush money case lashed out at the former president after he muttered and gestured at a potential juror.
Judge Juan Merchan told Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche to ‘talk to him’ about his behavior.
It came as Trump already risks prison for contempt of court if he violates a gag order that prohibits him from attacking people involved in the case.
Addressing Mr Blanche, the judge said: ‘Your client was saying something out loud. He was gesticulating and mumbling in the direction (of the jury).’
Raising his voice, the judge continued: ‘I will not tolerate it. I will not allow any jury to be intimidated in this courtroom. Take a minute and talk to your client about it!’
Former US President Donald Trump sits at the defense table during jury selection in his trial on charges of falsifying business records to conceal money paid to hush porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, at Manhattan state court in New York City, USA, April 16, 2024. in this courtroom sketch.
Judge Juan Merchán attacked Trump in court
It came as Trump and his lawyers got a potential juror fired over a 2017 social media post.
The prospective juror had written on Facebook about Trump, who was president at the time.
They wrote: “Take him out and lock him up.”
When the prospective juror was called in court to explain himself, he said, “I had strong feelings at the time,” but that he could be impartial today.
Judge Merchan said that The quote about wanting to jail Trump was a problem.
He He said: “Everyone knows that if Mr. Trump is convicted in this case, there is a possible prison sentence that would be locked up.”
At that, Trump, looking at him, shook his head.
Judge Merchan said: “I don’t think I can allow this jury to stand.”
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