Ex-Prosecutor Explains Why Donald Trump Needs Some Form Of Jail Time Soon

Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann argued some form of jail time likely will be needed for Donald Trump as the former president allegedly continues to violate the gag order in his hush money trial.

Prosecutors said Thursday that the presumptive GOP nominee for president has seven more times ignored Judge Juan Merchans order that prohibits him from commenting on witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors involved in the case.

One instance saw Trump appearing to attack potential jurors when he quoted Fox News host Jesse Watters suggestion that undercover liberal activists are lying to the judge in a bid to score a seat.

Trump should be treated the way you do anyone else who is accused of violating a gag order, Weissmann told MSNBC s Nicolle Wallace .

Wallace asked if Trump should be imprisoned if hes viewed, after hes had a chance to defend his conduct, as violating the gag order?

Merchan could impose things short of prison, acknowledged Weissmann.

But fines do not work with Trump, he lamented, pointing to Trumps violation of Judge Arthur Engorons orders in his New York civil fraud trial and subsequent financial penalties.

Trump already had not only one but two bites of the apple. Hes been given these warnings, he said.

So, I do think that when you get to, particularly jurors, and pernicious effectiveness, that the prospect of some form of jail time, even if its a timeout in a holding cell, is something that I think in very short order is going to need to happen once Trumps legal team has been given a chance to defend his actions, he added.