Former U.S. President Donald Trump faces renewed restrictions on publicly criticizing court staff amid his civil fraud trial. An appeals court has reinstated a gag order issued by Judge Arthur Engoron, preventing Trump and his legal team from making statements about the judge’s staff, notably principal law clerk Allison Greenfield.
The gag order, initially imposed in early October, came in response to Trump’s disparaging Truth Social post about Greenfield on the trial’s second day. While temporarily lifted during Trump’s appeal, a panel of four appellate judges decided on Thursday to reinstate the order without providing an explanation.
Christopher Kise, Trump’s attorney, expressed disappointment, stating, “In a country where the First Amendment is sacrosanct, President Trump may not even comment on why he thinks he cannot get a fair trial.”
More Read
The civil fraud trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump and the Trump Organization inflated asset valuations and misrepresented financial records to secure loans and tax benefits, seeking $250 million in damages.
Trump, claiming bias from both James and Engoron, filed a lawsuit against the judge after the gag order was issued, alleging impartiality and calling for a mistrial.
Despite accruing $15,000 in fines for violating the gag order at least twice before its temporary lift, Trump resumed attacks on Greenfield when given the chance. The principal law clerk, who often advises Judge Engoron during proceedings, has been accused by Trump’s legal team of acting as a “shadow judge.”
Judge Engoron emphasized his commitment to enforce the reinstated gag order vigorously, cautioning attorneys to inform their clients, including Trump, about its immediate effect.
While Trump is still allowed to criticize James and Engoron within the confines of the gag order, any statements about court staff, particularly Greenfield, may lead to additional fines or even imprisonment, as determined by Judge Engoron.
Facing a similar gag order in his criminal case related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump, known for his bold rhetoric, must carefully navigate his statements as the civil fraud trial heads toward closing arguments in mid-January.
As the proceedings unfold, Trump’s ability to critique the case without violating the reinstated gag order will be a critical test, especially considering his potential 2024 presidential run. The silence imposed on the former president stirs debates about protecting judicial integrity versus potential infringements on First Amendment rights.
The weeks ahead will unveil whether Trump can effectively navigate this unique challenge while maintaining his vocal stance on the ongoing trial.
