Former President Donald Trump was recently given a $5,000 fine. This came after he made an insulting post about a significant court staffer on his campaign website. This directly violated a court order demanding it to be removed. While some think this fine was right, others questioned how this amount can be considered a meaningful penalty considering Trump’s claimed wealth.
Judge Engoron’s Warning
Judge Arthur Engoron gave a stern warning to Trump. While he refrained from holding Trump in contempt for this particular incident, he explicitly stated that any future infractions could have dire consequences. He claimed proclaimed, “I am way beyond the ‘warning’ stage.” This sends a clear message to Trump and his team that the court’s patience is running thin.
Trump’s First Time Mistake
Engoron chose a relatively moderate fine, attributing the decision to it being Trump’s maiden violation in this context. Trump’s legal counsel was quick to defend the former president, claiming that it was accidental that the post stayed up on Trump’s site. Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, pointed out that the “very large machine” of Trump’s campaign left the post up after removing it from other social media platforms. Yet, many aren’t buying this excuse.
The Future Consequences
Judge Engoron made it clear what lies ahead should Trump overstep again. He said that any further breaches, no matter if they were accidental, would lead to “far more severe sanctions,” Engoron’s two-page order states, “Make no mistake: future violations… may include steeper financial penalties, holding Donald Trump in contempt of court, and possibly imprisoning him.” This firm stance was met with strong reactions, from those feeling it’s a mere “warning shot” to others believing that it’s a step towards holding Trump accountable.
Searching for Trump’s Response
The ruling undoubtedly sent shockwaves, prompting many to eagerly await Trump’s official response. Multiple attempts were made to reach Trump’s legal representatives and campaign spokesperson for their insights on the verdict. However, the silence has been deafening. As anticipation builds, some argue that this quiet might be a calculated move, while others think it’s a sign of acknowledgment from Trump’s camp.
The Initial Order by Engoron to Maintain Decorum
On October 3rd, Judge Engoron issued a limited gag order. This ensured that all participants in the ongoing trial were not aggressive to staff. The decision followed a controversial post by Trump on his Truth Social platform where he made baseless remarks about principal law clerk Allison Greenfield. The judge’s move was seen by many as necessary, while others viewed it as an attempt to stop free speech.
Trump’s Previous Court Appearances Draw Attention
Earlier in the week, Trump made his presence felt at the courthouse. But it wasn’t his time inside that made headlines – it was his statements outside. Frustrated with the proceedings, he didn’t hesitate to express his annoyance with Judge Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James. He labeled the trial as part of the “single greatest witch hunt of all time.” However, neither Engoron nor James were subjects of the gag order, meaning he could express his opinions about them freely.
Responsibility Lies with Trump, Says Judge
Addressing the issue with Trump’s legal team, Engoron mentioned, “I want to be clear that Donald Trump is still responsible for the large machine even if it’s a large machine.” He claimed that leaders like Trump should take accountability for their team’s actions. However, supporters of Trump argue that he can’t be responsible for every minor error made by his huge campaign team.
The Post’s Unexpected Journey and Limited Exposure
Before being removed from the Truth Social platform, as per Engoron’s orders, the post found a new life. It was copied into an email blast titled “ICYMI” and archived on Trump’s campaign website. According to Christopher Kise, the post was viewed by a mere 3,700 people on the website.
Judge’s Power in New York
When someone disobeys a court order, New York judges can impose fines or even send the violator to jail. “This isn’t about who you are; it’s about upholding the law,” said one user. Last year, Trump experienced this power firsthand when he received a hefty $110,000 fine over a separate matter.
The Ongoing Fraud Case
Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit accuses Trump of misrepresenting his and his company’s true value. Engoron, the presiding judge, confirmed findings of fraud. However, the trial continues, looking deeper into potential charges. Trump’s supporters, however, claim this is another attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Trump’s Defense
Donald Trump is staunch in his defense. He firmly believes that the financial documents he presented were accurate. He vehemently denies any misconduct allegations, dismissing the trial with labels like a “sham” and “witch hunt.” “This trial is nothing more than a continuation of baseless allegations,” Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, argues.
Drama in the Court
The trial has not been short of its dramatic moments. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, is set to make his appearance soon. Meanwhile, there’s anticipation surrounding testimonies from Trump’s children. “It’s like a political thriller playing out in real life,” one user said. But Trump’s supporters see it as another example of unnecessary media attention.
Ivanka Trump’s Involvement
Initially named as a defendant, Ivanka Trump was later dropped from the case. This was because an appeals court found the statute of limitations on the allegations against her had expired. They also attempted to subpoena her but failed, as she does not live in New York. As such, they could not force her to appear.
Public Reactions
The public appears divided in their opinions. “When does this guy finally start getting treated like the rest of us?” says one user. Another claimed, “The fact that they haven’t imprisoned him already makes this all meaningless. Anyone else in America would have been in jail weeks ago.”
Practical Fines
However, one user argued that this fine was a smart choice. They said, “I think that this is not only fair but also makes it appeal-proof. I absolutely agree that the fine could have been higher. But I don’t agree that the judge is going easy on Trump, making it clear that this is a first violation penalty and the least he can expect.”
Trump’s Actions
Another agreed that the fine was enough, saying, “The “danger” with scaling fines to Trump’s supposed net worth allows him to claim he is being targeted for being prominent politically and financially. By fining just $5,000, he is being treated (at least a little bit) like a common criminal. It’s an insult. If he rages against it, he appears petty and small.”
Is the Fine Enough?
$5,000 might seem like a drop in the bucket for someone of Trump’s wealth. Many argue that such a meager fine won’t stop future violations. “His cult will foot the bill, unknowingly, and they don’t care,” one person said. Another said, “Wow, 5000 whole dollars for just straight up ignoring the judge’s orders, huh? Well, that oughta do it. When does this guy finally start getting treated like the rest of us?”
Alternative Punishment
One user agreed the punishment wasn’t enough, and they offered their own ideas. They said, “I would revoke bond and make him sit in a holding cell for the new bond hearing. Private cell, CCTV on at all times. He needs a ‘time out.’ He would start losing his mind in 15 minutes. At 20 minutes in, he would be taking a heart attack just to get attention. Have it all on video.”
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