In a significant development in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York, Judge Juan Merchan held him in contempt of court for the tenth time for violating a gag order. The judge cautioned on Monday that further infractions could result in jail time for the former president.

Trump's most recent violation occurred on April 22 when he commented on the political composition of the jury during an interview with Real America's Voice. The former president claimed that the jury was impaneled unfairly, stating, "That jury was picked so fast - 95% Democrats. The area's mostly all Democrat. It's a very unfair situation, that I can tell you."

Judge Merchan, in his written order, expressed concern that Trump's remarks not only called into question the integrity and legitimacy of the ongoing proceedings but also raised concerns about the safety of jurors and their loved ones. As a result, the judge imposed a $1,000 fine, the maximum allowed under state law.

Last week, Merchan fined Trump $9,000 for nine previous violations that occurred on social media and his campaign website. However, the judge noted that these fines did not have the intended deterrent effect on the former president and warned that future violations could warrant imprisonment.

During Monday's trial proceedings, Merchan emphasized that jailing Trump was the last resort since it would disrupt the trial and pose challenges for the Secret Service and court officers responsible for his protection. However, the judge argued that these repeated violations constituted a direct attack on the rule of law that he could not allow to continue.

Trump is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records and has pleaded not guilty. Merchan initially issued the gag order in March before the trial began, prohibiting Trump from commenting on potential witnesses, jurors, court staff, and prosecutors involved in the case. The judge later expanded the order to include his own family members after Trump launched criticism against his daughter's consulting work with Democratic candidates and progressive causes.

It is important to note that the gag order does not prevent Trump from criticizing Judge Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Merchan reviewed ten instances raised by prosecutors, finding that four violated the gag order. Notably, comments made about Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, and a former media executive, David Pecker, were deemed non-violations.

Merchan affirmed that Trump's interview with Real America's Voice did constitute a violation of the gag order, stressing that he had repeatedly warned the former president against discussions concerning the jurors. The judge emphasized that the elements of criminal contempt had been established by prosecutors beyond a reasonable doubt.

Although Merchan did not order jail time for the latest violation since it occurred prior to his initial decision, he warned Trump that future violations could lead to incarceration. The judge concluded by stating that the monetary fines imposed thus far had proven ineffective in deterring the former president from violating the court's lawful orders.

As the trial continues, all eyes will remain on the courtroom to see how these proceedings unfold and whether Trump will adhere to the gag order moving forward.