Judge tears into Trump for ‘intimidating’ jury after warning he could be jailed for disruptive behavior as juror is dismissed for posting ‘lock him up’ on social media
The judge in Donald Trump’s blockbuster hush money case tore into the former president after he muttered and gestured at a potential juror.
Judge Juan Merchan told Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche to ‘speak to him’ about his behavior.
It came as Trump already risks jail for contempt of court if he violates a gag order banning him from attacking people involved in the case.
Addressing Mr Blanche, the judge said: ‘Your client was audibly uttering something. He was gesturing and muttering in the direction (of the juror).’
Raising his voice the judge went on: ‘I will not tolerate that. I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom. Take a minute and speak to your client about it!’
Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits at the defense table during jury selection in his trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York City, U.S. April 16, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.
Judge Juan Merchan tore into Trump in court
Margo Martin (C), former U.S. President Donald Trump’s deputy communications chief, walks into the courtroom during the second day of his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 16, 2024 in New York City
It came as Trump and his lawyers got a potential juror dismissed over a social media post from 2017.
The potential juror had written on Facebook about Trump, who was President at the time.
They wrote: ‘Get him out and lock him up’.
When the potential juror was called into court to explain himself he said ‘I did have strong feelings at the time’ but that he could be impartial today.
Judge Merchan said the quote about wanting Trump thrown in jail was a problem.
He said: ‘Everyone knows if Mr Trump is found guilty in this case there’s a potential jail sentence which would be lock up’.
At that Trump, lookingon, shook his head.
Judge Merchan said: ‘I don’t think I can allow this juror to remain.’
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