Former US President Donald Trump has been fined for repeatedly violating a gag order in relation to his hush money criminal trial. He also received a warning that he could be jailed if he does it again.
Trump has been charged by New York prosecutors with falsifying business records. This was in relation to hush money paid to an adult film star during his 2016 presidential election campaign.
On Tuesday, the presiding judge noted that Trump had been confirmed to have violated the order barring him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and others involved in the trial. Trump made nine such statements online.
The judge imposed a 9,000-dollar fine and ordered that the posts be removed.
The judge also warned that he would consider jailing the former president if he repeats the action again.
Speaking to reporters after leaving the courtroom, Trump said, "This is a corrupt system we're in and I think the people are understanding it."
He expressed frustration that he has been blocked from campaigning for the presidential election due to the trial. He has appeared in trial sessions held four days a week in principle since April 15.
Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in the election scheduled for later this year.
It is expected to take more than a month before a verdict is delivered on the case.