Neal Katyal said Manhattan prosecutors did not want to fine Trump and warned Judge Marchand that further violations of the gag order could mean prison time. He said he was thinking of getting one.
Neil Katyal explained what prosecutors are looking for in a hearing on President Trump's violation of the gag order, saying, „What arguments will Mr. Trump's lawyers make to say he did not violate the gag order?'' Is there any possibility of developing it?’ I think he obviously did. So they're going to say instead that the gag order is unconstitutional. It is a violation of his First Amendment rights. These gag orders are always imposed in cases like this and, as you know, for the most important reasons. So I don't think the discussion will go anywhere. Prosecutors here have just asked for a $1,000 fine for each violation. But what they want is a stern warning to President Trump: „If you do this again, you'll go to jail.'' And it's actually, you know, a ballgame. What would the punishment be? No? Did you violate the gag order? ”
video:
„The prosecutors here just asked for a $1,000 fine for each violation,“ Neal Katyal said at the gag order hearing. „What they want is a fine against Trump this time. This is a stern warning that if you do the same thing, you'll go to prison.'' “ pic.twitter.com/83ssiz21MT
For more articles like this, subscribe to our newsletter, The Daily.
— Sarah Rees-Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 21, 2024
No matter how high the fine becomes, President Trump will not stop. Donald Trump believes the only way to avoid conviction in this case is to: Threatening and obstructing proceedings. The way to stop Trump from doing anything is to threaten him with jail.
Former presidents cannot post on Truth Social from Rikers. That would likely deter Trump from trying to derail the trial, since he is afraid of going to jail.
Even paying a hefty fine won't stop Trump. Angry judges won't stop Trump, but threatening to lock him up in prison certainly will.
It's bad news for President Trump, and it looks like it's getting worse.
A special message from PoliticusUSA
If you are in a position to genuinely donate to help keep PoliticusUSA's doors open during a critical election year, please donate here.
We answer only to our readers, never compromise on our fundamental, core PoliticusUSA values, and we're honored to have put your interests first for 14 years.
![](https://www.politicususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jason.jpg)
![](https://www.politicususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jason.jpg)
Jason is the editor-in-chief. He is a White House correspondent and Congressional Correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason holds a bachelor's degree in political science. His graduate work focused on public policy and specialized in social reform movements.
Awards and professional membership
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association