“Please refrain from making statements that are likely to incite violence or civil unrest,” Manhattan criminal court Judge Juan Merchan told Trump during his historic Tuesday arraignment.
Topline
Manhattan criminal court Judge Juan Merchan reportedly warned former President Donald Trump not to engage in rhetoric that could “jeopardize the rule of law” during his historic Tuesday arraignment—a reference to a string of incendiary statements Trump has made in the lead-up to his indictment.Key Facts
Merchan urged Trump to “refrain” from “comments that have potential to incite violence, create civil unrest [or] jeopardize the state or well-being of any individuals,” according to multiple reports.
The judge also reportedly asked prosecutors to control their rhetoric, and those of witnesses, in the case.
Merchan said he would not have granted a gag order against Trump had prosecutors requested one prior to his Tuesday arraignment, but said he would consider them in the future, if necessary, the reported.
