Donald Trump being sent to Rikers Island for breaching gag order would cause 'civil unrest'

Donald Trump could potentially be sent to Rikers Island, New York City's largest jail, if he breaches another gag order , according to legal expert Neama Rahmani.

The former federal prosecutor at West Coast Trial Lawyers said that such a move could likely trigger "mass protests and civil unrest."

This comes after the judge overseeing Trump's New York hush money trial fined him $1,000 for once again violating his gag order , warning the ex-president that further violations could lead to jail time.

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This is the second time since the trial started last month that Trump has been penalized for breaching the gag order, which prohibits him from making inflammatory remarks about jurors, witnesses, and others closely linked to the case.

He was slapped with a $9,000 fine last week - $1,000 for each of nine violations.

Judge Juan M. Merchan stated on Monday: "It appears that the $1,000 fines are not serving as a deterrent. Therefore going forward, this court will have to consider a jail sanction."

"[Trump's statements] threaten to interfere with the fair administration of justice and constitute a direct attack on the rule of law. I cannot allow that to continue."

Rahmani, who believes that the Republican would be sent to Rikers Island if found guilty of breaching an order, expressed concern over how some Trump supporters might react.

Discussing the potential complexities, he remarked: "That's the most likely. Obviously, you're talking about Trump having Secret Service protection, even in jail. So logistically, it would be a nightmare...I don't know if Rikers could accommodate that."

"We've never had a situation where there's been an inmate that had protection like that...but Rikers would be the most likely given the proximity to the courthouse."

He continued: "It may lead to mass protests and civil unrest. [Trump] would rail out on Truth Social. And the thought of Trump being jailed for any period of time is problematic from a public policy perspective."

"The country is already so divided. And there are a significant percentage of American people that believe that Trump is being treated unfairly and railroaded by our criminal justice system...But just the images or videos of him in custody, I mean that would really be something else."

On whether imprisonment would impact Trump's case, Rahmani stated to Daily Express US: "I think it would just fuel the fire...No lawyer has been able to control Trump 's behavior. I can't imagine jail time making a difference."

As the judge delivered his decision on Monday, Trump was seen leaning forward, shaking his head, and crossing his arms.

Yet, even as Merchan highlighted the possibility of incarceration in his sternest warning yet, he also expressed his hesitation over a measure he deemed a "last resort."

Merchan stated: "The last thing I want to do is put you in jail. You are the former president of the United States and possibly the next president as well. There are many reasons why incarceration is truly a last resort for me. To take that step would be disruptive to these proceedings."

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Rahmani mentioned that Trump would need to be "completely isolated" from other inmates at Rikers, saying, "There's no way he could have interactions with any other inmates."

Trump's popularity appears to surge with each indictment, as evidenced by his rising poll numbers .

A Morning Consult poll from August 2023 indicated an increase in perceptions of Trump's electability following the release of his Georgia mugshot.

After being arrested in connection with the Georgia election interference case, Trump saw a nine percent boost in support regarding his chances against President Joe Biden come November.

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Rahmani suggested that Trump 's poll numbers might climb even higher if he were to be incarcerated.

Rahmani remarked: "It's never happened, you know, a former president, and maybe the next president, being jailed."

"I would say any other defendant or any other candidate in the country, they would see their poll numbers tank."

Rahmani continued: "But Trump is an enigma every time he's indicted. When he faces some sort of civil or criminal legal problem, his poll numbers seem to bounce."

"He will take advantage of it financially and politically. He's always come out ahead."

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