New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan displayed a different side of his demeanor during a recent hearing regarding former President Donald Trump and a gag order. Merchan presided over the hearing to determine whether Trump had breached the “unconstitutional” gag order in place. This order prohibits Trump from publicly discussing witnesses involved in the trial, legal counsel other than Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), court and district attorney staff members, as well as family members of any legal or staff member, if such statements are intended to disrupt their work. The order also covers potential jurors. While Merchan seemed to give the prosecution ample time to present their case against Trump, he reportedly became impatient and forceful when Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, presented the defense’s arguments. Blanche contended that Trump’s reposting of an article on Truth Social did not violate the gag order, prompting Merchan to inquire about the legal basis for this argument.
“I don’t have any case law to support that, but it’s just common sense, your honor,” Blanche said.
Merchan went on to ask how posting is any different. “Where does it say that? Give me the case law,” Merchan said.
“Your honor, there’s…” Blanche said before being interrupted.
“Let me ask you, when something is reposted, how does it get onto your client’s Truth Social account?” he asked.
Blanche was then requested by Merchan to clarify whether Trump believed he had not breached the gag order by sharing the Truths again.
“I’d like to hear that,” Merchan exclaimed.
Blanche then attempted to explain, but blurted “Blanche, you’re losing all credibility. I have to tell you right now, you’re losing all credibility with the court.”
The NYT reports:
“Merchan, now calmer, is all but pleading with Blanche to make a more substantive argument to back up the idea that reposts should not be subject to the gag order. “I hate to keep coming back to this, but you’re not offering me anything to support your argument,” the judge says. Justice Merchan has repeatedly pushed Todd Blanche to clarify his arguments, only to have Blanche deny that he is saying what he seems to be saying. Trump is very lucky that the jurors are not here for this. Merchan is really dressing down Blanche right now.”
