remember the days of old when friday was a slow news day?
i believe trump is in big trouble with this one. i’m thinking big fine first, then possible time in the pokey.
Agreed.
So, let’s not do that 
Thanks! I actually think I’d prefer this to jail time. Jail time would equal enormous fundraising potential for Trump and drive home just how exactly much like Jesus he is.
Forcing him in court to admit he fucked up, and forcing him to explain it, and to confirm that he was apologizing to the court for fucking up–none of that would be great for fundraising, and footage (or quotes) from his groveling and admission of error could be used to undermine his bloviations.
Or, if he refused to grovel, then his lawyers could be grilled: why did they claim they were apologizing on his behalf? Are they actually representing their client faithfully? And Trump could be asked the same question, as he was being remanded to custody.
Right. Plus, it gives the judge the opportunity to say, “Was this unclear? What don’t you understand?” And set out further why this was entirely appropriate - insulating against future appeal and easing the way for progressive responses to the inevitable future violations.
Yes. Just allow Trump to talk and talk and talk until he talks himself into even more trouble.
I get the same vibe. Fingers crossed because it can’t hurt.
I’ll cross mine, too. 
Judge Engoron gives Trump a symbolic $5000 fine, and accompanied that with a rather stern warning:
“Make no mistake: future violations, whether intentional or unintentional, will subject the violator to far more severe sanctions, which may include, but are not limited to, steeper financial penalties, holding Donald Trump in contempt of court, and possibly imprisoning him.”
Bolding mine
yep, progressive discipline, to rebut any appeal that the judge is biased, and taking into account that it is hard to scrub the internet.
Apparently Cohen is going to testify on Tuesday. This will be perhaps very important testimony, since I understand that it was Cohen’s congressional testimony that Trump inflated the value of his properties that started the ball rolling for James on this particular lawsuit.
That would be schadenfreudey but hitting him in the pocketbook would hurt more – no mugging the camera and claims of, “I’m going to jail for you!” to his base. Of course, being a multi-billionaire, 7 or 8 figures would be about right to make it hurt.
Three days of fundraising, max.
Don Jr:
Hold my beer…
A weekend in jail would involve him surrendering again and a “Never Surrender Twice!” mugshot t-shirt. I might even buy one.
But I think the gag order only applies to attacks on court staff, not the judge.
To quote the article:
Beat me to it, but yep.
I could believe that Don Jr. didn’t actually read the whole article and thought he was playing it safe by only attacking the judge, but today’s order specifically mentions unintentional violations of the gag order. So I think he’s screwed.
I anticipate an appearance by Don Jr on Monday in Judge Engoran’s courtroom.
Seriously! Is the right to silence that difficult? I’m surprised that the lawyers have hair left to tear out.
I think it’s been said that the Trumps have the right to keep their mouths shut. They just don’t have the ability to keep their mouths shut.