Trump instructed to obey court rules ahead of Manhattan criminal trial

https://www.npr.org/2023/05/23/ [login to see] /trump-stormy-daniels-judge-new-york-hush-money-case-carroll
A state judge in New York cautioned former President Donald Trump on Tuesday to obey a protective order dictating how he can talk about discovery materials during the upcoming criminal trial stemming from hush money payments paid to a former adult movie actress.

The order covers how Trump communicates publicly about emails, photographs, testimony and other evidence gathered as legal proceedings move forward ahead of the trial date set for March 25, 2024.

During a hearing held over a video connection, Judge Juan Merchan told Trump he must obey a protective order or there could be a "wide range of possible sanctions including a finding of contempt."

Trump appeared on screen looking tense and impatient, jaw rigid and fingers interlaced. He only spoke once, saying "I do," when asked if he had a copy of the protective order.

Judge Merchan is overseeing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's criminal case against Trump, which was filed last month.