Judge Arthur Engoron fines former President Donald Trump an additional $10,000 on Wednesday for violating a gag order that was put in place to prevent Trump from disparaging members of his staff. There were reports on Tuesday that former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows had struck an immunity deal with special counsel Jack Smith in exchange for providing testimony about Trump’s actions. However, Meadows casts doubt on these claims, and Trump himself wonders aloud if they are true.
In court, Engoron questioned Trump about comments he had made outside the courtroom that appeared to violate the gag order. During a break, Trump told reporters that the judge and his clerk, who he had attacked on social media resulting in a previous fine, were both very partisan. When asked who he was referring to with his latest comments, Trump replied, “You and Cohen.” Engoron was not impressed and declared Trump’s testimony not credible, resulting in a $10,000 fine.
Engoron had earlier admonished Trump’s lawyers for remarks made outside the courtroom. Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise responded by stating that Trump was referring to Cohen, who was testifying from the witness stand nearby. Engoron, who has fined Trump twice for violating the gag order, has also threatened to jail him if the attacks continue.
This altercation in court is another test of Engoron’s patience and highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and the judge.
In another case, Meadows denies reports that he has accepted an immunity deal with federal prosecutors. ABC News published a story claiming that Meadows had been granted immunity to testify about his interactions with Trump after the 2020 election. However, a lawyer for Meadows denies this, stating that the story is largely inaccurate. Trump expresses some confidence that Meadows has not turned against him but acknowledges that he is unsure.
Meadows’ testimony could be significant in both the federal and Georgia cases involving election interference. He witnessed Trump’s efforts to challenge the election results more closely than most and could provide crucial insight into Trump’s actions.
Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis becomes the fourth defendant to plead guilty in Georgia over her role in the effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election illegally. Ellis promises to testify in the trials of others charged in the case. Meanwhile, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen takes the stand to testify against Trump in the New York financial fraud trial.
Ellis pleads guilty and admits to spreading lies about election fraud to help Trump stay in power. She acknowledges that she should have verified the facts alleged by other lawyers before making false claims herself. She will cooperate with prosecutors and testify against other defendants as part of her plea deal.
Cohen, who was tasked by Trump to inflate the value of his business assets, testifies against his former boss in the New York civil trial. Trump sits just feet away from Cohen, watching as he provides evidence of financial fraud. Cohen’s credibility will continue to be attacked, but he is a central witness in multiple cases against Trump.
Lawyers for Trump argue in a federal appeals court that he should not be held liable for defamatory comments made about E. Jean Carroll because he was president at the time. They claim that “presidential immunity” shields Trump from civil damages claims. Trump also seeks to clarify his relationship with Sidney Powell, who pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case. He is preparing to confront Cohen in a New York courtroom as well.
In summary, these recent developments involve fines for Trump, doubts about Meadows’ immunity deal, guilty pleas and testimony from Jenna Ellis and Michael Cohen, and Trump’s legal defense in the defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll. The timing and details of these events add to the ongoing intrigue and legal battles surrounding former President Donald Trump.
