Judge delays deciding if" Trump broke gag order in hush money trial

But he tells former president’s lawyer he is losing all credibility’ for failing to provide answers

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The judge overseeing Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial on April 23 told Trump's lawyer he is "losing all credibility" as he considered whether the former president should be punished for violating a gag order that prevents him from publicly criticising witnesses and others involved in the case.

Prosecutors asked Justice Juan Merchan to fine Trump US$10,000 (S$13,600) for violating the order.

Defence lawyer Todd Blanche argued that Trump should not be punished for responding to political attacks.

Justice Merchan said he would not immediately rule on the prosecution's request.

At a hearing to consider the issue, Justice Merchan appeared to grow frustrated after Mr Blanche did not provide specific examples of the attacks to which Trump was said to be responding.

The judge told Mr Blanche he had neither case law nor evidence to back up his argument.

"You've presented nothing," Justice Merchan said. "I've asked you eight or nine times, show me the exact post he was responding to.

You've not even been able to do that once." "Mr Blanche, you're losing all credibility.

"I have to tell you right now, you're losing all credibility with the court," the judge added.

The judge's gag order prevents Trump from publicly criticising witnesses, court officials and their relatives. Trump has said it is a violation of his constitutional free speech rights.