'There will be an arrest': Trump gets stark warning from hush money judge

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial issued a stark warning at the start of the proceeding.

Judge Juan Mechan told the former president he must attend every day of the trial, which started Monday, or face arrest, reported NBC News.

"If you do not show up there will be an arrest," the judge told him.

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The judge addressed Trump directly as he also explained that, though he was expected to be present, if he misbehaved during the proceedings he would be removed.

If that happens, he will be potentially arrested, and the case would continue without him, the judge said.

"If you deliberately fail to appear in court when required, then any proceeding in your case, including hearing, trial and, if you are convicted, sentence, can and will continue in your absence," Merchan told him, according to a court transcript.

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"A warrant for your arrest will be issued and you will be subject to separate prosecution and separate punishment for bail jumping, no matter what happens in this case."

The judge also warned him that the trial would continue even if he was jailed for contempt of court or other charges.

"If you deliberately refuse to come to court when required, or in any way deliberately obstruct or interfere with the effort to bring you to court, then, any proceeding in your case, including hearing, trial and, if you are convicted, sentence, can and will continue in your absence," Merchan said.

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