Remember Trump On His Phone In The Courtroom?

Breaking on @MSNBC:

Trump attorney Todd Blanche asked who the DA's Office plans to call as their first three witnesses. Joshua Steinglass from office refused on the basis that Trump has been tweeting about them.

Judge Merchan said he doesn't blame the DA's office. Blanche said…

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 18, 2024

After prosecutors warn about Trump's social media posts about witnesses, defense attorney Todd Blanche suggests that his client won't "Truth" like that.

Merchan deadpans:

"That he will not tweet about any witness? I don't think that you can make that representation."

— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) April 18, 2024

Normally, professional courtesy and sometimes even the judge’s own courtroom procedures would have the lawyers advising as to witness order so both sides can be prepared.

Judge Merchan is clearly signaling to Trump that he isn’t going to let him interfere with these witnesses…

— Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) April 18, 2024

Trump's attacks on witnesses finally have real consequences. Typically, the prosecution *does* reveal the witnesses it will call the next day.

Judge Merchan exercising discretion to penalize behavior that endangers witnesses will be a far more effective tool than a $1,000 fine. https://t.co/CNVgBBWc2Q

— Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) April 18, 2024

Switching now to Tuesday’s show cause (contempt of court) hearing:

Note the time stamps in DA's new motion alleging 7 more violations of gag order.

But first this nugget by @KlasfeldReports about alleged gag violation.

On Monday, prosecutor told the judge:

“It’s entirely possible it was done within this courthouse.”https://t.co/0spfepledz

— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) April 18, 2024

I’ll finish this myself. Contempt occurs in two forms: violation of a court order outside the presence of the judge; and in the presence. On the distinction rests severity. The judge can more easily impose jail for the contempt in the latter case. So Bragg is going big, because he isn’t going home. The result probably won’t be jail; but Merchan could raise the option and hold it over Trump’s head, to make it clear how close he really is. It’s a little early for jail; but if Merchan finds some of the contempt occurred within the building, that finding can support another contempt charge leading to jail time. Shortens the leash, IOW.

Lara Trump: It’s sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows for the Democrats because they’re the one pulling the string and it’s Trump forced to sit in a courtroom but it could turn around very quickly and the shoe could be on the other foot pic.twitter.com/kASiTKhJcK

— Acyn (@Acyn) April 19, 2024

I was sure Eric was the dumb one.

He’s at it again pic.twitter.com/yE81aTdbNm

— Acyn (@Acyn) April 19, 2024

This could well be an illegal campaign contribution. Or a conspiracy; a real one.