Judge Merchan used words from Trump’s book 'as a reason' to deny gag order motion: report

Donald Trump took a loss Thursday from New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan rejected the ex-president's motion to loosen his gag order — which would have allowed Trump to respond to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

According to The Guardian's Hugo Lowell, the judge said he denied Trump because "he's concerned other witnesses will see how "witnesses who have testified will be treated by" the MAGA hopeful.

The gag order bars Trump from insulting prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, court staff, and the judge's family.

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Just Security reporter Adam Kladfeld noted via X/Twitter that, "Justice Merchan cited this passage from one of Trump's books as a reason he's not touching the gag order. It's not just about Stormy Daniels, he said. For Trump, it's also about being seen on the attack, according to the passage."

The passage reads: "When you are wronged, go after those people because it is a good feeling and because other people will see you doing it. Getting even is not always a personal thing. It's just a part of doing business."

Legal analyst Harry Litman replied to Merchan's order, writing, "Wow -- Trump really reaps what he sowed here. Judge telling Blanche he just can't take his word b/c of Trump's track record is extremely severe in the context of the culture of judge and lawyer."

NBC notes:

Merchan previously found that Trump had violated the gag order in nine other instances and fined him $9,000. In issuing that decision, Merchan warned Trump that continued violations of the order could result in incarceration. On Monday, the judge fined him an additional $1,000 for an additional violation and repeated his warning that he could face jail time.

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After Merchan adjourned court for the day, the former president told reporters, "Everybody saw what happened today -- I don't think we have to do any expert explaining. I'm not allowed to anyway because this judge is corrupt. I got to get back on the campaign trail. I'm not supposed to be here. We are so innocent."