'This is a sideshow': Trump's second gag order hearing set for Thursday

A second gag order hearing is set for Thursday amid former President Trump's hush money trial. Retired NY State Supreme Court Judge Jill Konviser, who has known Judge Merchan for 15 years, weighs in.
» Subscribe to MSNBC: / msnbc
Download our new MSNBC app for the latest breaking news and daily headlines at a glance: www.msnbc.com/information/dow...
Follow MSNBC Show Blogs
MaddowBlog: www.msnbc.com/maddowblog
ReidOut Blog: www.msnbc.com/reidoutblog
MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House, The ReidOut, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and Alex Wagner who brings her breadth of reporting experience to MSNBC primetime. Watch “Alex Wagner Tonight” Tuesday through Friday at 9pm Eastern.
Connect with MSNBC Online
Visit msnbc.com: www.msnbc.com/
Subscribe to the MSNBC Daily Newsletter: link.msnbc.com/join/5ck/msnbc...
Find MSNBC on Facebook: / msnbc
Follow MSNBC on Twitter: / msnbc
Follow MSNBC on Instagram: / msnbc
#Trump #DonaldTrump #TrumpTrial

[@MarlonBundo-ec4jh]

National Embarrassment Trump! Trump belongs in prison not running for Presidency. The World is tired of Trump!

[@Americasinertia]

No. We’re tired of the corrupt cannibal, 46

[@PatrioticUSAmerican]

Corrupt and Grossly-Incompetent Liberal Democrat politicians are a Disgrace to America!

[@brupeboring]

@@Americasinertia ignorant comment as usual

[@brupeboring]

@@jamesswain2465 if you have to ask you are a cult member and will ignore the answer

[@AugieRockero]

@@Americasinertia Finish your horse medicine

[@Awol991]

Trump won't shut up. He treats "don't do this" as a challenge. Lock him up.

[@Americasinertia]

Go fascist blue, how dare an American speak

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah. Go fascist blue. How dare an American speak

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah. How dare an American citizen have the right to speak

[@holymoley1920]

I don't think trump could keep his mouth shut even if he tried. He has never shown the slightest sign of ability to control himself. He's an ageing but permanent, badly-brought-up two-year old.

[@Awol991]

@@Americasinertia Trump is the defendant in a criminal trial that comes with some restrictions on his freedoms. There will be more restrictions on his freedoms should he be convicted. The current restrictions are fully legal and are to stop intimidation of those involved in the trial.

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

I love how his supporters paint Trump as a hero and this all-powerful alpha male, while Trump himself is always portraying himself as a cry baby and victim!

[@Americasinertia]

Well yeah, these fake indictments are hilarious. How’s the corrupt cannibal,46 doing today?

[@PatrioticUSAmerican]

President Trump DEFEATS these Totally-BOGUS charges and Rigged court cases concocted against him by Corrupt Radical Leftist THUGS working on behalf of the Corrupt Biden Authoritarian Regime. We are witnessing the Horrible Third-World/Soviet-styled political operation of the Corrupt Democrats play out against our President as they Abuse the prosecutorial power of our once-trusted "justice system" through their Lawfare Corruption. The VERY Disgusting and Despicable Weaponized Legalism brought forth against our President by these Terrible Liberal Democrat politicians, Unelected bureaucrats and Radical Leftist operatives is ANGERING the Good People of America and the World!!! We the Millions upon Millions upon Millions of TRUE Patriotic American Citizens WILL DEFEND our Nation against the Democrats' Radical Third-World/Soviet-styled politics that is undermining our Democracy and Freedom. This Horrible Liberal Political SCOURGE Will Be Defeated!!! In spite of these Disgusting and Despicable political attacks against President Trump, he continues to SURGE and STEAMROLL toward his Reelection in November to the Tremendous Joy, Delight, Happiness and Relief of Millions upon Millions upon Millions of TRUE Patriotic American Citizens spread throughout the World!!! Our Democracy SHALL PREVAIL!!!

[@Americasinertia]

Cannibal 46s fake indictments are hilarious

[@brupeboring]

@@Americasinertia your orange master was indicted by a jury of his peers not biden goober

[@PatrioticUSAmerican]

President Trump DEFEATS these Totally-BOGUS charges and Rigged court cases concocted against him by Corrupt Radical Leftist THUGS working on behalf of the Corrupt Biden Authoritarian Regime. We are witnessing the Horrible Third-World/Soviet-styled political operation of the Corrupt Democrats play out against our President as they Abuse the prosecutorial power of our once-trusted "justice system" through their Lawfare Corruption. The VERY Disgusting and Despicable Weaponized Legalism brought forth against our President by these Terrible Liberal Democrat politicians, Unelected bureaucrats and Radical Leftist operatives is ANGERING the Good People of America and the World!!! We the Millions upon Millions upon Millions of TRUE Patriotic American Citizens WILL DEFEND our Nation against the Democrats' Radical Third-World/Soviet-styled politics that is undermining our Democracy and Freedom. This Horrible Liberal Political SCOURGE Will Be Defeated!!! In spite of these Disgusting and Despicable political attacks against President Trump, he continues to SURGE and STEAMROLL toward his Reelection in November to the Tremendous Joy, Delight, Happiness and Relief of Millions upon Millions upon Millions of TRUE Patriotic American Citizens spread throughout the World!!! Our Democracy SHALL PREVAIL!!!

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

Poor donnie, discriminated against even worse than the Central Park Five, worse than Dr King , treated like Navalny, treated worse than Abe Lincoln, worse than Kennedy... Yet every day he puts on his corset, does his makeup, sprays that thing on his head, slips into his high heels and wobbles his way to a microphone for you!

[@Americasinertia]

And the corrupt cannibals, 46, garbage border policies have murdered how many Americans?

[@trumpsuckspigbalz2351]

Donnie doesn't wobble, he slides on a layer of mucus.

[@PatrioticUSAmerican]

President Trump DEFEATS these Totally-BOGUS charges and Rigged court cases concocted against him by Corrupt Radical Leftist THUGS working on behalf of the Corrupt Biden Authoritarian Regime. We are witnessing the Horrible Third-World/Soviet-styled political operation of the Corrupt Democrats play out against our President as they Abuse the prosecutorial power of our once-trusted "justice system" through their Lawfare Corruption. The VERY Disgusting and Despicable Weaponized Legalism brought forth against our President by these Terrible Liberal Democrat politicians, Unelected bureaucrats and Radical Leftist operatives is ANGERING the Good People of America and the World!!! We the Millions upon Millions upon Millions of TRUE Patriotic American Citizens WILL DEFEND our Nation against the Democrats' Radical Third-World/Soviet-styled politics that is undermining our Democracy and Freedom. This Horrible Liberal Political SCOURGE Will Be Defeated!!! In spite of these Disgusting and Despicable political attacks against President Trump, he continues to SURGE and STEAMROLL toward his Reelection in November to the Tremendous Joy, Delight, Happiness and Relief of Millions upon Millions upon Millions of TRUE Patriotic American Citizens spread throughout the World!!! Our Democracy SHALL PREVAIL!!!

[@Americasinertia]

@@trumpsuckspigbalz2351funny. Now do cannibal 46

[@SledDog5678]

LOL...AS FAKE AS MELANIA'S CHEST AND ARA'S LIPS!!!!!!

[@kathleenaustin327]

He is violating his bail terms if he gets a contempt charge!!! He is on bail with 4 courts!!! Throw him in jail for a night.

[@TK.33]

He has earned more than a fine imo. He doesn't respect anything but HARDBALL

[@Americasinertia]

@@TK.33😅😅😅. And corrupt cannibal 46?

[@MarkSmith-pb2ly]

Mister Trump is not afraid of the Law - The Law is afraid of Trump. Trump 2024. Trump, the Man, the Legend. Loved by all.

[@scottharrison8701]

That actually says more about the democrats. The world is watching

[@spiceyhotpot]

@@Americasinertia blah blah blah maybe come up with something original rather than your copy paste comments.

[@yestoglobalpeace]

I trust that Judge Merchan will decide on the appropriate punishment for Trump in due time .. But like most of us, I'm also hoping for a swift conviction and that he will jail that malicious lunatic!

[@michaelrocha1570]

Could the judge be keeping all actions as clean as possible because this case will be appealed soon after ?

[@Joe-pz4pj]

More civil rights violations. Just like the russian scam .

[@scottharrison8701]

Merchan wants to keep his law license and his job. I don't think he's going to get himself any more involved in this kangaroo court. He's a fool for not discussing this frivolous case. I'd hate to be him

[@firstgopinbredhillbilliesl6100]

30 days for each one so it's over a year in jail.

[@kelperdude]

A conviction will help his daughter raise more campaign funds. It's like a family business.

[@Columbiastargazer]

trump isn't arguing he's innocent, he's arguing he has the right to be a criminal

[@swimminginthoughts]

He's not, but you keep saying that.

[@brupeboring]

@@swimminginthoughts you cant be this dense

[@Americasinertia]

@@brupeboring😅😅😅. You got him this time fascist?

[@cardboard1457]

​@@Americasinertiadoes he have the office of the presidency to protect him now communist?

[@Lesliewilson-cu6yh]

​@@swimminginthoughtsuh..yeah he is..when's the last time you needed immunity from crimes you did not commit 😂😅😂

[@ivo4357]

well, there is a way of preventing him from continuously violating the gag order, thus taking away the attention of the actual trial: JAIL HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!!

[@Jake_Official.963]

I'm tiered off it. Trump is A CITIZEN. Treat him like it. END IT. VOTE 🗳 BLUE 💙 2024 , I'm with Joe 💙 💯, have a nice day, go ,Padres .

[@scottharrison8701]

Do you really want to spend the rest of your life in jail? You'd better stand up for what's right

[@afry6400]

@@scottharrison8701 When someone commits crimes, particularly against their own country, it's very right to prosecute them. They found more than enough evidence to convict Trump for several lifetimes. Go look at what evidence they have. Several times Trump has claimed immunity and stated loud and proud that a president should be able to do whatever they want without worrying about their actions being prosecuted. The only other president that broke such laws ended up resigning on a deal to be pardoned so he wouldn't go through a trial he knew he would lose and Trump makes him look like a boy scout at this point. Look at the evidence. Pay very close attention. It's too important for the future of our country to be playing around with lawbreaking while in office.

[@brothertaro2008]

Don't let a criminal appoint the judges. Vote BLUE.

[@Americasinertia]

Blue is the problem, pass. Especially a corrupt resident that calls himself a cannibal, like 46

[@Americasinertia]

Blue is the criminal

[@roxybarone]

​@@Americasinertiayou mean Orange

[@annf8791]

Judge Cannon was chosen by tRump! Biggest mistake since 2022​@Americasinertia

[@baanjones5910]

Hope the two will be impeached first accepting monies.

[@3182john]

He needs to be silenced… for good or bad.

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah. How dare he have rights, in America

[@balrog322]

@@Americasinertia. No one has a right to threaten anyone.

[@Americasinertia]

@@balrog322😅😅😅. What threats? You there? Because msnbc told you?😅😅😅😅. Funny

[@balrog322]

@@Americasinertia You’re terminally clueless, like the rest of his cult.

[@kelperdude]

Freedom of speech.

[@ShawnFennessey]

We have the POWER to END THIS INSANITY! VOTE ALL BLUE!

[@Americasinertia]

Blue is the insanity. Especially your cannibal leader

[@Americasinertia]

Blue is insane. Excuse for cannibal 46?

[@AugieRockero]

@@Americasinertia excuse for your mother having you?

[@kelperdude]

for more inflation and open borders.

[@haydenwilliams1577]

​@@kelperdudeEvery Republican president since Teddy Roosevelt has had a recession in their first term.

[@wylieroth3145]

How many times does the Orange Jesus get the "one more time" warning?

[@Americasinertia]

Depends on the fascist judge. How dare an American speak

[@budman4224]

Not standing up for Trump, but I believe the judge has yet to tell him that. We'll probably hear it Thursday. Fun fact, if Merchan rules that Trump violated it his gag order, that means he's in violation of his pre trial release agreement everywhere else. Should be fun to see what happens

[@bobcob3362]

​@budman4224 you'll be disappointed yet again.

[@fabigrossi2976]

Nothing will happen. So far trump actually IS above the law.

[@TK.33]

He is on his 100th 2nd chance

[@paul16451]

I'm honestly almost at the point where I stop listening to the news because it's all been the same theme for years now...Trump being held accountable and punished is IMMINENT, but then oh no something saves him and he doesn't have to face a real consequence after all, or a judge delays instead of decides.

[@user-rx6ze5uu7n]

here, hear. I am with you.

[@paul16451]

@user-rx6ze5uu7n thanks. As much as Trump portrays himself as a crying victim, you know in private he is laughing at the country's legal system. He honestly doesn't even need the presidential immunity case.

[@katdandy9115]

I don't even want to hear the word fine. It's useless when it comes to trump.

[@jamesswain2465]

Ok, fine, no one will use the word fine. That's just fine with me.

[@budman4224]

​@@jamesswain2465I gotta admit. That made me laugh

[@junerandolph8991]

Unless it's a 456 million dollar fine. 😊 he couldn't pay that one

[@Americasinertia]

@@junerandolph8991go fascist blue, could you pay that?

[@Americasinertia]

@@junerandolph8991could you, fentanyl blue?

[@123cbsus]

This is really really shame on us as a country that would like to elect the president who has a 91 criminal charges, and this guy is spending a lot of money to his lawyer to argue the case for no reason and delay the process so he can be the president I don’t know he is above the law or something, but this guy should go to jail

[@davidwelsh8026]

Doesn’t he deserve one more chance ?

[@JohnnyVetter]

Susan Collins thought he learned his lesson:

[@ThomasNiemann-qe5fo]

Well you have to love when America's racist past comes back to bite it in the behind.

[@JohnnyVetter]

@@ThomasNiemann-qe5fo America is as racist as ever,instead of White hoods they are called trump supporters.

[@123cbsus]

It depends but in his case, I don’t think so

[@knoxjr4977]

The judge needs to find him in contempt, give him 30 days in jail , and make him serve the time after the trial is completed.

[@ThomasNiemann-qe5fo]

Yes I don't understand why he does not do this.

[@cassidyjonson3741]

WHEN will a judge have the guts to put this common criminal in jail? He has done nothing but push the walls of rules our laws of justice!?!💙

[@Americasinertia]

When you have actual law breaking

[@MarkSmith-pb2ly]

@@Americasinertia Well said. No Crime has been committed.

[@davidwelsh8026]

He’s running for president.

[@Gabrielle499]

Jail & take away his phone!

[@MarkSmith-pb2ly]

@@Gabrielle499 No, set our Trump free. He is as innocent as a new born lamb. Vote Trump 2024 for a better life for all.

[@lp-he3gl]

These gag order hearings just play into the trump strategy: delay, delay, delay. Ad nauseum.

[@Americasinertia]

Nah. Cannibal 46s fake indictments getting in the way of each other

[@kelperdude]

political persecution.

[@MarkSmith-pb2ly]

I see you cat is gagged.

[@lp-he3gl]

Hilarious, once deciphered.

[@stephanleo]

Can't Trump spend the duration of the trial in a cell? Like everyone else who violates teo gag orders?

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah. How dare an American have the right to speak

[@scottharrison8701]

Wouldn't that be what a tyrant would do? I think Biden is on enough trouble for allowing this clown show to go this far. Biden is toast. The jails aren't big enough to hold all the criminals in the Democrat Party.

[@davidwelsh8026]

Gag orders are unconstitutional to begin with.

[@WyvernYT]

@@scottharrison8701 But if presidential immunity is a thing, Biden can just have Seal Team Six take care of him.

[@DrakeSmith-tn6ij]

@Scott Harrison The Democratic Party is not a party of criminals.

[@MaggieJean]

Everyone over the age of five knows he violated the gag order! Do something about it!!

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah fascist blue. How dare a citizen have rights

[@scottharrison8701]

It's a kangaroo court and everyone except you knows it

[@DrakeSmith-tn6ij]

The court is not a kangaroo court.

[@nadiasilvershine4630]

Another "stern" warning is what I predict!

[@user-ej1hj1wd9o]

I'm sorry, but if he was an ordinary person in the dock he would already be in jail for breaking his gag order repeatedly. On fact most people would be charged with threatening behaviour.

[@MarkSmith-pb2ly]

Trump is no ordinary person, Trump is a Legend and our soon to be President again.

[@ConradDwightChud-gy9nt]

The lunacy of the Republican party has no equal.

[@Americasinertia]

Demokkkrats, especially the corrupt cannibal, 46s incompetent administration, right there.

[@Americasinertia]

Corrupt cannibal 46s incompetent administration

[@Americasinertia]

Corrupt cannibal forty sixes incompetent administration

[@Americasinertia]

Cannibal 46?

[@lancejordan2561]

Your dealing with a emotionally arrested 5 yr old. Time out in a jail cell and No electronics.

[@devak45167]

I don’t really see how witness intimidation and potential juror tampering can be considered a “side-show” but ok I guess. I think they’re extremely serious components of the case at hand. I truly don’t understand the cowardice of these judges. Put him in jail, do you seriously think $1k fines will cause any level of deterrence?!

[@davidgiles9651]

They're describing TRUMPS LACK OF TECHNIQUE

[@davidwelsh8026]

They won’t put him in jail because he’s running for president.

[@user-wk3cv6ze5g]

Agree 5 million wasn’t enough in the E. Gene case

[@davidgiles9651]

The fine should be 100 grand for each.

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah. Fascism is great

[@davidgiles9651]

@@Americasinertia what's a dictator wanna be ?

[@Americasinertia]

@@davidgiles9651cannibal 46, is a dictator

[@Americasinertia]

@@davidgiles9651you actually believe these fake indictments? I did at the beginning

[@brupeboring]

@@Americasinertia he was indicted by a jury of his peers

[@patsysouthern5245]

remember, this judge is dealing with an A-hole defendant.

[@uabpsab]

"Works the same for you and me as for trump". Seriously! are you joking?

[@patriciaschneck2110]

If you lock him up for contempt, he can't put on a sideshow and the trial can continue to move smoothly. Please lock him up! Get this over and done with.

[@davidwelsh8026]

Merchan is afraid of Trump.

[@balrog322]

He should be physically gagged, but then he should also be in jail.

[@MarkSmith-pb2ly]

Stop trying to hurt our Trump. Our Trump is innocent until proven otherwise. And you must refer to him as President Trump, or at the very lease Mister Trump.

[@TerryKane-by5mf]

Democracy 🇺🇸 vs Russian Maga 🇷🇺 We are the voters. We have the power.

[@inthewoodshed9611]

I walked up east 71st towards Central Park 10 minutes ago and imagined the devastation of nuclear war, what I saw beneath my feet and above my head - what it would look, like, smell like and feel like. Trump makes that a real possibility

[@PatrioticUSAmerican]

IDIOTIC!!!

[@terrierqueen4091]

More like a mash-up of a second Civil War and "The Perge."

[@lindataylor7299]

Any other citizen would be in jail already, what is the fear of trump lock him up like you would do any other defendant for God's sake. 😡😡

[@smacnee3278]

He's making a mockery of the justice system

[@robinbowman2464]

As a child he was sent away to military school because he couldn't respect or wouldn't follow rules. He needs to be sent away again.

[@csrb338]

What a joke the American judicial system is

[@tomjonathon6889]

Donald looks like an obtuse "The Simpsons" character. Bart after he got into politics and aderal.

[@chriskelly6559]

And nobody's going to eat his shorts.

[@swimminginthoughts]

Ever notice how Anthony Weiner looks just like the bartender from the Simpsons?

[@uncleheavy6819]

I hope that the only reason for the delay in his ruling is that the judge is waiting to hear from the secret service on arrangements for the ex-president's incarceration.

[@bobcob3362]

How's that hope worked out for you?

[@WyvernYT]

The facility where Epstein was held is only about a block away; their VIP section should be ready to handle Trump.

[@jtomahawk7825]

Trump is like a 2 year old toddler testing the limits of what they can (or can't) get away with.

[@PKing-px5dg]

Revoke his bond as Trump can exercise his 1st amendment right from a jail cell!

[@Americasinertia]

Yeah. Go fascist blue

[@lrlong1285]

I got NOTHING from this video lol

[@robertpalmer3166]

Certainly not writing skills.

[@davidwilhelm7466]

Jail, Secret Service deal with it.

[@josephgraziano2139]

Trump just cannot keep his mouth shut

[@Americasinertia]

It’s his. Right. Still free speech in the dictator cannibal 46s America, right? Even though he’s trying to censor everything

[@michaelrocha1570]

Could the judge be keeping all actions as clean as possible because this case will be appealed soon after ?

[@linnetcooke5967]

Excellent point.

[@be643]

He will appeal everything anyways.

[@fabigrossi2976]

What's wrong with the judge? How many hearings are necessary to in the end do nothing at all anyway? America, the world is watching. And we are shocked. How can a judiciary of an allegedly strong country be so incredibly weak?

[@eliassalcedo5229]

As many as James Comer and Gym Jordan have them to day doing nothing. 🙅

[@davidwelsh8026]

Merchan has been told not to jail Trump.

[@DrakeSmith-tn6ij]

What’s the consequences of jailing Trump?

[@papasom3337]

If gag orders are not enforced, what’s the point? Enforce the gag orders or lift them!

[@williamrose2506]

"Do you understand?". No, judge, he doesn't.

[@philstanton231]

Vote blue 💙 💙 💙 💙

[@alabamatrixie7379]

Merchan should have charged him with contemt the first go 'round

[@davidwelsh8026]

He is afraid of Trump.

[@mooseheadjack1]

​@@stevebeegreathere's the thing, yes he has. Also, there is zero chance this case gets dismissed. Try again.

[@mooseheadjack1]

@@stevebeegreat and yet, you cannot prove anything I said is wrong

[@michaelvenditti5982]

They should have odds in Vegas on if he'll ever go to jail.

[@fedos]

She didn't give a single actual opinion. All her answers were cop outs.

[@theresina123]

What happened to the 1st. Gag Order - No Penalty as yet. WHY?

[@danriley5848]

Throw Trump in prison already!!!!!!

[@dark14life]

Unbelievable how they just let this continue.

[@walnut0112]

If Trump is found in contempt, that's a crime. He would be in violation of his release in other jurisdictions and could/should be taken into custody while awaiting trial. I truly think that's the hold up. Merchan is trying to figure out how his contempt ruling may affect trumps status in DC/Georgia. What's unfair is that Trump is being given this extra consideration, you or I wouldn't be given this much...

[@miguelpaul1164]

LOCK IT UP!! Lock up the orange narcissist!!!!

[@d.f.9064]

Put him in a box, where everyone can see him, and no one can hear him, like in Russia.

[@livelife4471]

The judge for put Trump in jail for one night, just to give Trump the experience of what it is like to be jailed. The next day bring Trump back to court and tell next time it is 2 nights in jail, after that it is 3 nights and so on. That would shut Trump's mouth.

[@rogerfontenot2610]

The prosecution has the judge and the jury in their pocket but there is still a chance the prosecution will fail. 😅😅😅

[@floydhutcherson1732]

What about MY feelings!?

[@Rick-qf5de]

I'm old , I don't know if , I'm going to outlive this trial... ??? 😮

[@sandracl8757]

Stop providing Trump all this free advertising.

[@sle81]

You’ve got to be kidding me!?!? Merchan has handled this case poorly and treating trump like a king instead of as he would’ve treated any other defendant. The judiciary system is a joke.

[@jssomewhere6740]

What world is this woman living in?

[@FrancisBeanBlades]

I think retired judge Jill Konviser needs to spend some time talking to retired judge Esther Salas before she opens up her mouth to call all this a "side show" again.

[@nomenclature9373]

Average person would spend 2 weeks in lockup.

[@davidwelsh8026]

Average person wouldn’t even be fined.

[@mitch473]

The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine!

[@BrianSmith-yn2zg]

I'd like to think the Judge has been working with the Marshal's and S.S. to get a cell ready but I know that is a false hope.

[@davidwelsh8026]

The only cell that is ready is for Biden when he leaves office.😂

[@WyvernYT]

Interestingly, given the circumstances it's not impossible he could see the inside of Epstein's cell. That facility is only about a block away.

[@tonyscott6837]

I believe the judge is performing his duties admirably. It is essential for him to maintain impartiality and fairness, even in cases involving controversial figures like Trump. By doing so, the defense will have no grounds for appeal.

[@richardhowlett4097]

When are these programmes going to stop showing the defendants pictures, we know what he looks like already, seeing his mug so much makes feel nauseous.

[@Rick-qf5de]

Lock him up he's guilty multiple times... Over and over.....

[@TheTeamDavey]

As soon as Judge Merchan finds Trump in criminal contempt, he puts 3 other judges in a difficult position of what to do about a defendant who has violated terms of his pre-trial release.

[@pseudochef8522]

Thank you: this helps mitigate a lot of frustration over the perception of everyone being afraid of Trump, including judges

[@LindaDianeBroomhead-eu2ry]

Just stack up one violation hearing after another without ruling on any of it......special treatment for Trump because these judges are too afraid to suffer their oath of office

[@UncleWally3]

Isn’t deciding if Don Trump defied a gag order like deciding if the Pope is Catholic?

[@phaedrussmith1949]

What's the deal on this? You or I mess around in court and the judge holds us in contempt that minute. We do it twice and a deputy escorts us to jail.

[@TheCornhusker]

He is getting treated better than me if I was sitting in court and pulling his shenanigans.

[@juliancrooks3031]

The judge should revoke his release and just put the don in jail. When will one of these judges grow a pair an finally jail him ?

[@FranklinWilson-ev9dq]

FINES, ARE NOT GOING TO DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-wk3cv6ze5g]

Time to revoke all pre trial bonds. Won’t be any delays from jail. Trial on…

[@4thholebridge]

Gag Order ? Gag recommendation!

[@benjaminyatvin2254]

The defendant in this case is not treated as a normal defendant, so I’m tired of lawyers and judges saying that this is a case like any other. I understand there are political considerations in treating Trump like a regular defendant, but there are implications to giving him the preferential treatment he is receiving at all levels of both the state and federal court system. Namely the complete loss of faith in our judicial system and Constitution.

[@MK-fi1jk]

So if a child acts up badly and deserves a time out, but the child is still acting up, do you wait for it to end? Or, just maybe, do you put the child IN time out to actually STOP the acting up??? SMH!!!

[@goochpunchtickles3617]

Yeah, these trials are clown shows. No faith in the system after all this nonsense. No adults left in this country.

[@user-pk7jj1vx3z]

One of the best guests I've seen in a while.

[@CavRecon3]

Oh it's all a side show. 😆 🤣 😂 it's so obvious what is going on here. The American people are sick of it.

[@stwrtsmoke2028]

Why have a gag order when they are not going to enforce it, our justice system is completely corrupt and broken.

[@reggieharper1622]

“Alleged “ violations of the gag order ?? Lady , give me a FN break !

[@danpease8395]

The rules are not the same for everyone. They are completely different for Donald Trump. Completely different

[@danhoven]

I have yet to hear (or see) anyone mention why there is no court today.

[@christinelebrea3907]

Another pause in his Trial it is all part of his delay delay delay!

[@SquarePeg1]

... or it will be delayed yet again. It's past time for a judge to put on their big boy pants and actually hold a contempt hearing and stop pushing it down the road.

[@patriot4826]

The punishment must fit the crime ? Whats the crime again ? 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@NikosZaidGomez]

Great job Merchan, I know the hearing last time didn't change anything, but this one will totally, absolutely be completely different and Trump will come out from it a changed man!

[@timguillory6339]

Man even in text that sarcasm is obvious 😂

[@peterg5383]

Susan Collins has entered the chat

[@sod1237]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="120">2:00</a> "take your time" is NOT the right thing. The system fails.

[@be643]

It does not take days for an experienced judge to "get it right". I'm over all these people making excuses for judges going soft or slow with everything that deals with Trump.

[@lapidaryland]

The judge can just hold off till he sentences trump. If he is found guilt. Adding to his conviction, if that's the jurors decision. 😊 He can also sequester the jury making the case take much more time. Or even make Wednesday a court day also and speed up things. He has many options other than delaying this trial and that's why trump is doing this.

[@jimkelehan1366]

Every time I see trump, I gag!

[@simonledoux8519]

What is happening with his trial in Georgia! Its been crickets for a while!

[@user-fl8be4px8x]

You caused the sideshow trump