The judge in Donald Trump’s business records trial will allow him to attend his son Barron’s high school graduation on May 17th, after previously delaying a decision.
“I don’t think the May 17 date is a problem,” Merchan said.
“Who will explain for me, to my wonderful son, Barron, who is a GREAT Student at a fantastic School, that his Dad will likely not be allowed to attend his Graduation Ceremony, something that we have been talking about for years, because a seriously Conflicted and Corrupt New York State Judge wants me in Criminal Court on a bogus ‘Biden Case’ which, according to virtually all Legal Scholars and Pundits, has no merit, and should NEVER have been brought,” Trump previously wrote.
Interestingly: Eric Trump has accompanied his father to court today. Perhaps Trump’s legal team heard all of the chatter about the appearance to the jury with no family members being present?…
— Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) April 30, 2024
However, the judge also held Trump in criminal contempt for violating a gag order, fining him $1,000 per violation and warning of potential jail time.
“Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment,” the judge wrote.
The gag order prevents Trump from commenting publicly about parties involved in the trial, including witnesses, lawyers, staff and jurors.
Trump claimed on social media that the judge is violating his free speech rights and interfering in the 2024 election.
“This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED,” Trump wrote.
“This whole ‘Trial’ is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!” he added.
