Judge Juan Merchan is scheduled to preside over arguments on Tuesday regarding whether former President Trump violated the gag order imposed on him during his criminal trial.
Merchan had previously ordered Trump not to publicly discuss witnesses, counsel, court or DA staff, or potential jurors. Despite this, Trump's recent social media outburst in all caps prompted allegations of multiple violations.
In response, Bragg has motioned for fines of $1,000 per infraction and urged the judge to warn Trump of potential incarceration for further violations. Trump's defense argues that the gag order infringes on his First Amendment rights and those of his supporters.
Merchan has set a deadline of 11 a.m. on Tuesday for the gag order hearing, with the possibility of adjourning for further proceedings if necessary.
Following this, the jury is anticipated to hear testimony from the prosecution's first witness, David Pecker, former CEO of American Media and publisher of the National Enquirer. Pecker's involvement relates to allegations of a conspiracy with Trump and former attorney Michael Cohen to manipulate the 2016 election by suppressing negative stories.
In defense, Trump's attorney Todd Blanche asserts the former president's innocence, arguing that his actions were lawful and aimed at safeguarding against false accusations.
Trump, facing 34 counts of falsifying business records, maintains his innocence, denouncing the trial as politically motivated persecution. Despite the charges, he pledges to testify truthfully if called upon.