New York Justice Juan Merchan made it clear that Donald Trump would be arrested and imprisoned if he did not show up for a court hearing next week.
Merchan's warning came after Trump attorney Todd Blanche asked that his client be allowed to skip a hearing next Wednesday on possible gag order violations in his hush money trial. The order prevents Trump from talking about witnesses, court staff or their families.
"Blanche says that the campaign has taken pains to schedule events on Wednesdays and asks Merchan if Trump be excused from any hearings that take place on Wednesdays, when the jury is in recess," Tyler McBrien reported during Monday's proceedings. "Merchan says he will take this into consideration."
The attorney also said Trump should not have to attend his trial at all.
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"You don't think we should be here at all right now?" Merchan fired back. "I have accommodated you enough."
The judge clarified his intentions in a filing later on Monday that set a hearing in District Attorney Alvin Bragg's demand that Trump be sanctioned for allegedly violating a gag order. The hearing is set for April 24.
"WARNING: YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT MAY RESULT IN YOUR IMMEDIATE ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT," Merchan's filing said with an all-caps heading.
Merchan said Wednesday's hearing would consider why Trump should not be held in contempt for talking about witnesses.
Prosecutors have asked for $1,000 fines for each infraction. Trump could also face jail time if he continues to violate the order.