Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: Michael Cohen Also Gagged by Judge Ahead of Monday's Testimony

By Rick Martin May 10 2024, 22:02 PM EDT

After Donald Trump's lawyers constantly complained about their client's gag order, Judge Juan Merchan has ordered star witness Michael Cohen to keep quiet ahead of his hush money trial testimony, which is reportedly scheduled for Monday.

Cohen, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer and fixer, had been taunting his former friend with posts and jabs. However, Judge Mechan has ordered prosecutors to tell Cohen to stop doing this. The order comes as Trump cannot attack Cohen over these posts because of the gag order.

According to the Associated Press, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass confirmed the judge's order, adding that the prosecution could rest its case by the end of the week.

Prosecutors have been building up their case ahead of Michael Cohen's testimony on Monday. Cohen was responsible for arranging the $130,000 payout to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet regarding her affair with Donald Trump while his wife, Melania Trump, was recovering from giving birth to Baron Trump.

It was noted that the judge's warning to prosecutors underscored the fact that Michael Cohen is not only their most important witness but also their most complicated as he went from Donald Trump's most loyal henchman to becoming one of his biggest critics after he was imprisoned on federal charges regarding the hush money payment to Daniels.

Cohen has constantly attacked Trump in news show appearances and on social media. On Monday, he is expected to give the most important testimony of all, and after that, defense lawyers are expected to argue that the former Trump lawyer who served prison time is "out to get Trump and cannot be believed."

READ MORE: Donald Trump Trial: New Poll Finds 20% of Trump Supporters May Reconsider Vote If He Is Convicted

Where Would Donald Trump Go If He Breaks His Gag Order Again and Land in Jail?

Speaking of gag orders, Donald Trump has constantly been breaking them and has recently been fined another $1,000. With the fines seemingly not working on Trump, the judge has threatened him with jail time. Should this happen though, where will he go?

According to USA Today, many are speculating he might land in Rikers Island, the most infamous prison in New York, where his friend and former CFO, Allen Weisselberg, is currently serving his sentence. However, others are pointing out that this might be unlikely going into the prison with a reputation for violence and unsanitary conditions.

Instead, if he is hailed for contempt, he may just land in a jail cell inside the courthouse. None the less, he will still be the first former president to land in jail after leaving office.

Donald Trump Looking Frustrated Ahead of Michael Cohen Testimony

Meanwhile, Trump looked quite frustrated during the hearing on Friday, and many have noticed, according to The Guardian. The newspaper reported that a visibly irked Trump was carrying a thin stack of papers in his hand and dropped them on the table. The clack was heard by many in the gallery.

The day before, Stormy Daniels provided embarrassing details about their sexual encounter. Now, Trump is about to face a former friend who might spill even more beans regarding his illegal activities. When the hearing ended, he once again played the victim card and complained that one wrong word could land him in jail.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Michael Cohen expected to testify Monday in Trump criminal trial - CBS Evening News