🤯

Lead defense attorney Todd Blanche:

"President Trump wants to be present at everything."

— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) April 15, 2024

Justice Merchan recites Parker warnings, describing the ways in which Trump could forfeit his right to be present:

* if he's disruptive
* if he fails to attend trial

— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) April 15, 2024

Judge Merchan now warns Trump that if he disrupts the trial he could be removed from the courtroom and jailed. He then says if he fails to appear in court a warrant for his arrest will be issued. He makes Trump acknowledge he understands. Undated story …https://t.co/XDUhpMA3v3

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 15, 2024

Prosecutors also moved for an Order to Show Cause why Trump should not be held in contempt for violating the “gag” order.

The prosecutors then asked that Trump be fined $1,000 for each of his posts that violate the gag order and that he be warned that if he does it again he will be put in jail. They noted that one of the posts happened while court was going on today.

Granting that would clear the way for jailing Trump instanter.

The court took a lunch recess. We’ll see if Merchan rules on that today.

Ah, clarity!

Merchan says during the lunch break, he’ll sign the order to show cause that sets forth a briefing schedule. With that, we break—and we’ll be back at 1:30.

— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) April 15, 2024

That detail about the 9:12 AM post strikes me as particularly damning.