Trump reacts to Judge Merchan’s threat of jail: ‘Frankly our Constitution is much more important than jail’

"I have to watch every word I tell you people. You ask me a simple question, I'd like to give it but I can't talk about it, because this judge has given me a gag order and says you'll go to jail if you violate it,” Trump said.

Trump also expressed frustration over the court's decision to extend the case, suggesting it interfered with his ability to participate in political activities.

"This is really truly election interference and it's a disgrace," he said.

Despite the gag order, Trump lamented his limited ability to address the media freely, stating that the Constitution is more important than the potential penalties.

"Frankly our Constitution is much more important than jail. I'll do that sacrifice any day,” Trump said.

Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, recently fined Trump $1,000 and held him in contempt for the tenth time due to statements made in a recent broadcast. Trump's comments about the jury selection being "mostly all Democrat” led to the fine, as they were deemed to violate the gag order, according to Reuters.

The gag order prohibits Trump from discussing jurors, witnesses, and the families of the judge and prosecutors involved in the case. Judge Merchan warned of potential jail time if Trump continues to violate the order.

“I do not want to impose a jail sanction and have done everything I can to avoid doing so. But I will if necessary,” Merchan said before the jury entered on Monday.

Trump has been fined nine times previously for social media posts that were ruled to violate the gag order. Still, he has attempted to speak out against the case.

"He's taken away my constitutional right to speak," Trump said outside the courtroom.