According to officials familiar with the situation, the U.S. Secret Service has been conducting meetings and making preparations for a potential scenario in which former President Donald Trump is held in contempt during his criminal hush money trial. In the event that Judge Juan Merchan decides to impose short-term confinement on Trump, the Secret Service is actively considering their response.
The decision on the matter was reserved by Merchan on Tuesday following a heated hearing. At this point, prosecutors are considering seeking a fine.
“We are currently not pursuing a prison sentence,” stated assistant district attorney Chris Conroy, emphasizing that the defendant appears to be pushing for it.”
According to officials, there is no indication that Merchan would place Trump in a holding cell within the courthouse. However, they are preparing for any possible scenarios and taking necessary precautions.
Discussions about what actions to take if Trump is convicted and sentenced to prison have not yet taken place.
The former president is currently facing trial for felony charges. These charges revolve around allegations of falsifying business records in order to conceal the reimbursement made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels by his former attorney, Michael Cohen. This payment was made prior to the 2016 presidential election.
The Secret Service chose not to provide any comment regarding their specific plans on the matter.
The United States Secret Service stated that they are required by federal law to provide protection for current government leaders, former Presidents and First Ladies, visiting heads of state, and other individuals designated by the President of the United States. They further explained that they extensively analyze various locations and create comprehensive protective plans that utilize advanced technology, protective intelligence, and advanced security tactics to ensure the safety of their protectees. However, they refrain from providing any specific details regarding their protective operations.
According to prosecutors, Trump has been accused of violating the limited gag order multiple times this month. The order specifically prohibits making statements about witnesses, jurors, and lawyers involved in the case, with the exception of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
According to Trump’s lawyers, the prosecutors have failed to provide sufficient evidence that the social media posts made by Trump, where he criticized Cohen and Daniels, were intentional violations of the gag order. They argued that Trump was merely defending himself against the likely witnesses’ attacks.
Defense lawyers have also contended that the gag order lacks clarity and permits Trump to make “political” statements.