Amidst the tense trial, Trump’s actions push the judge to the edge. Will his defiance lead to consequences? Former President Donald Trump’s trial over hush money payments resumed at the Manhattan courthouse for a second day on Tuesday. The day involved continued jury selection, during which Trump’s legal team faced the challenge of replacing disqualified jurors from the initial pool.

Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, addressed several procedural details on Monday. However, he has yet to decide on allegations from prosecutors that Trump breached a gag order imposed during the trial. On Tuesday, Judge Merchan sternly cautioned Trump against any courtroom outbursts that could influence jury members, emphasizing the need for a fair trial environment.

“I won’t tolerate that—I won’t have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom…take a moment and speak to your client,’” underscoring the importance of decorum in the judicial process. According to reports, six jurors were officially sworn in at the Manhattan courthouse today. The group represents half of the total needed, with each juror raising their right hand as part of the oath-taking ceremony.

Judge Merchan instructed them to avoid discussing or researching the case independently. They are scheduled to return to court on Monday, April 22nd. The court is set to continue the selection process to find the remaining six jurors and a few alternates to complete the panel.

Earlier in the day, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed a motion to hold former President Trump in contempt of court, alleging that Trump violated the court’s gag order by making public comments about two key witnesses in his ongoing criminal trial. The action, filed in the New York Supreme Court, would lead to significant consequences, including imprisonment.

The court documents accuse Trump of intentionally defying a gag order that prohibited him from making public statements about Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, both of whom are involved in the case. According to the motion, Trump’s comments on social media were a clear violation of the court’s directives.