Donald Trump has been held in criminal contempt for the 10th time in his hush-money trial, with the judge warning that jail time may follow if he continues to breach a gag order. Judge Juan Merchan imposed a $1,000 fine on Monday after the former president made comments about the jury, calling the selection process rushed.
Merchan said the fines had not deterred Trump and stressed his duty to protect the judicial system. 'The last thing I want to do is put you in jail,' he said. 'But at the end of the day, I have a job to do ... I will, if necessary and appropriate.' The warning came as the trial entered its 12th day.
Earlier, former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney testified about a 2017 meeting where he was told to reimburse Michael Cohen $420,000, including a bonus. The prosecution argued the payment was unusually generous and designed to keep Cohen silent. Ledger entries described the payments as 'legal expenses' despite no retainer agreement.
Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo highlighted that Cohen was reimbursed double his original outlay, suggesting falsification of business records. Defence attorney Emil Bove questioned whether Trump had directly ordered the repayment structure. Accounts payable supervisor Deborah Tarasoff later testified, confirming Cohen worked closely with Trump's inner circle on the 26th floor of Trump Tower.
