Why was Trump fined by the judge?

Former President Trump was fined $9,000 by New York Judge Juan M. Merchan for the violation of a gag order barring him from making public statements about witnesses and jurors. He was charged $1,000 for each violation and was warned by Merchan that further violations could result in potential jail time. 

“It is critically important that defendant’s legitimate free speech rights not be curtailed, that he be able to fully campaign for the office which he seeks and that he be able to respond and defend himself against political attacks,” Merchan wrote in his decision. “Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment.”

In accordance with the gag order, Trump is barred from making public statements about witnesses’ involvement in his case, as well as comments about the jurors. Trump also cannot comment on court staff, prosecutors, or the family members of any of the above parties.