Many Democrats cheered this week after Judge Juan Merchan once again fined former President Donald Trump for violating the gag order in his New York criminal trial.

Yet in a move which no doubt left many of them seething, the judge acknowledged that Trump could cruise to victory in November. 

Merchan admits Trump is "possibly the next president"

According to Breitbart, Merchan made the admission on Monday while warning the former president that he could find himself behind bars.

"The last thing I want to consider is jail," Merchan was quoted as saying as he admonished Trump over his disregard for the gag order. "You are [the] former president and possibly the next president."

Still, Fox News pointed out how Merchan nevertheless cautioned that jail is the "next step" as it is "clear" financial penalties have not served as a deterrent.

"The magnitude of that decision is not lost on me," Merchan declared. "Your continued willful violation of the court’s order…constitutes a direct attack…and will not be allowed to continue…It is not allowed to continue."

Judges daughter used Trump's trial to fundraise for Democrats

Breitbart noted that Merchan fined Trump $1,000 on Monday, which came just days after he imposed a $9,000 fine for nine separate gag order violations.

This included making remarks about the fact that Merchan's daughter, Loren Merchan, is chief operating officer and president of Authentic Campaigns, a Democrat-aligned political consulting firm.

Authentic Campaigns' website explains that its clients have included President Joe Biden, Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Oregon Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek, and California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff.

Trump says jail would be a "sacrifice" for free speech

"And frankly, you know what? Our Constitution is much more important than jail. It's not even close. I'll do that sacrifice any day," the former president went on to add.