Judge Rebukes Trump's Lawyer: 'You've Presented Nothing,' Raises Concerns over Credibility in Hush Money Trial
In the criminal hush money trial of Donald Trump, Judge Juan Merchan criticized Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, for failing to provide evidence to support Trump's claims of responding to political attacks.
Merchan expressed concern over Blanche's lack of credibility and considered whether to fine Trump $10,000 for violating a gag order that prohibits criticizing trial witnesses and involved parties.
Blanche argued that Trump should not be punished for responding to political attacks.
A judge, Merchan, did not immediately rule on a prosecution's request for a gag order against Donald Trump.
During the hearing, the prosecutor, Blanche, failed to provide specific examples of Trump's alleged violations, leaving Merchan frustrated.
Merchan criticized Blanche for lacking evidence and credibility, as Trump continued to claim the gag order infringed on his constitutional free speech rights.
Trump accused a judge in a ongoing case of presiding over a "kangaroo court" and called for his recusal, after being ordered not to publicly criticize witnesses and court officials, including Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, who are set to testify in his criminal trial.
Trump violated this gag order with posts on his Truth Social platform.