Former President Donald Trump found himself in the midst of a legal storm today as Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron issued a written order, imposing a $10,000 fine on Trump for his second violation of a partial gag order aimed at protecting courtroom staff. The fine was levied following Trump’s denial that he attacked a court clerk, a denial that Engoron found to be “hollow and untrue.”
Trump had argued that he referred to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, as the “partisan” sitting “alongside” Engoron when he spoke to reporters outside the courtroom. However, Engoron dismissed this explanation, stating that witnesses do not sit “alongside” the judge but rather in the witness box, separated by a barrier. Engoron found Trump’s language intentionally imprecise, emphasizing that Trump’s public statements were unmistakably clear about targeting Michael Cohen.
Chris Kise, Trump’s attorney, challenged Engoron’s order, asserting Trump’s right to comment on the clerk’s actions and claiming that the gag order violated the First Amendment. Engoron defended his decision, stating that protecting courtroom staff does not infringe upon anyone’s First Amendment rights.
In response to the ruling, Trump took to Truth Social, his social media platform, to voice his discontent. He labeled Engoron a “Radical Left judge” and called the case a “Complete and Total Miscarriage of Justice.” Trump accused the judge of bias and criticized Attorney General Letitia James, whom he referred to as “RACIST A.G.,” implying that she campaigned against him.
Trump’s posts reflect his continued defiance in the face of legal challenges, further intensifying the already contentious atmosphere surrounding this high-profile case.
