New York-based attorney Colleen Kerwick has raised eyebrows by suggesting that former President Donald Trump may be intentionally provoking Judge Juan Merchan in a bid to delay his hush money trial.
Kerwick’s comments, reported by Newsweek on Friday, May 3, 2024, come after Trump attended a hearing on violations of a gag order imposed by the court.
Trump, known for seeking delays in his trials, could potentially apply to the U.S. Supreme Court for a delay of all his criminal trials until after a hypothetical reelection, raising legal and political questions.
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During the recent hearing, Judge Merchan fined Trump $9,000 for nine violations of the gag order and cited an additional four alleged violations.
Kerwick pointed out the court’s authority to fine Trump $1,000 per violation and even incarcerate him for willful violation of a court order, suggesting Trump might be provoking such actions strategically to delay proceedings.
The hush money trial centers on allegations that Trump and his former attorney, Michael Cohen, violated campaign finance laws by orchestrating payments to two women who claimed affairs with Trump to keep them secret during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump’s legal team has fought vigorously to delay or dismiss the charges, denying any wrongdoing and dismissing the case as politically motivated.
With significant attention on the case’s implications for Trump’s political future and legal accountability, all eyes remain on the court’s decisions regarding Trump’s alleged violations and their impact on the trial’s timeline and outcome.
