Donald Trump was fined $9,000 for repeatedly breaching a gag order in his New York hush money case.
As reported by NPR, New York judge Juan Merchan determined former president in contempt of Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday, April 30.
During Trump's criminal trial, prosecutors requested Judge Juan Merchan to fine him $10,000, $1,000 for each of the 10 posts, for breaking a gag order and held him in contempt of court.
However, Merchan fined Trump for nine of those posts on Tuesday.
Trump was instructed to pay the fine by Friday, May 3, and delete seven offending posts from his Truth Social account and two from his campaign website by 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
Merchan wrote in his order, stating, "It is critically important that Defendant's legitimate free speech rights not be curtailed, that he be able to fully campaign for the office which he seeks and that he be able to respond and defend himself against political attacks."
He further added, "It is of utmost importance to this Court that the Expanded Order not be used as a sword instead of a shield by potential witnesses."
Merchan also warned Trump 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."
He further said that the court must "consider whether in some instances, jail may be a necessary punishment."
Meanwhile, On Thursday, Merchan will also hold a hearing regarding four additional posts brought up by the prosecution last week.
