“When your client is violating a gag order, I expect more than one word,” Merchan said after Blanche (the rump's lawyer) argued that pardons were political in nature.

 Merchan also pressed Blanche on the rump’s intentions, after the rump’s attorney argued that reposts of others on Truth Social were not necessarily subject to the gag order.

 “It’s your client’s position that when he reposts he did not believe he was violating the gag order. I’d like to hear that. Or you just want me to accept it because you’re saying it?” Merchan asked Blanche shortly before the hearing ended.

Merchan did not say when he would rule. The district attorney is asking the judge to fine the rump $1,000 for each violation, and to remind him additional violations could result in imprisonment.