Former President Donald Trump has intensified his verbal assault on Judge Arthur Engoron’s family, particularly targeting the judge’s wife, Dawn Engoron, in a series of posts on Truth Social. This comes amidst a heated debate over whether a gag order should be reimposed on Trump during his civil fraud trial in New York.
Trump accused Dawn Engoron of operating an account on X (formerly Twitter), which allegedly frequently attacked him online. Engoron previously denied these allegations, stating, “I do not have a Twitter account. This is not me. I have not posted any anti-Trump messages.”
Alison Greenfield, Judge Engoron’s longtime law clerk, also faced Trump’s online attacks. The former president was fined twice for his social media posts targeting Greenfield and violating the gag order imposed to prevent him from publicly discussing court staff. A New York appeals court has temporarily paused the gag order to evaluate Trump’s First Amendment rights claims as he considers another White House bid.
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Trump took to his social media platform, criticizing both Dawn Engoron and Alison Greenfield, claiming they have taken control of the trial, labeling it a “New York State Witch Hunt Trial” against him and the Republican Party. He shared screenshots of the @dm_sminxs account, reiterating his belief that Judge Engoron’s wife was behind the posts.
In response to these attacks, Trump stated, “Judge Engoron’s Trump-Hating wife, together with his very disturbed and angry law clerk, have taken over control of the New York State Witch Hunt Trial aimed at me, my family, and the Republican Party.”
The former president questioned the credibility of the New York State Judicial System, stating, “This is such an embarrassment to all within the New York State Judicial System, as murder and violent crime rage like never before!”
Trump’s lawyers argued against the reimposition of the gag order, accusing Judge Engoron of a “brazen and unmitigated” violation of the Constitution. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office contends that the gag order should be reinstated against Trump.
In court filings, Trump’s lawyers emphasized that the gag orders protect Engoron and his clerk from necessary scrutiny, essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring a fair trial. However, an affidavit from Charles Hollon, from the Public Safety Department’s Judicial Threats Assessment Unit, highlighted a surge in threatening messages since the pause of the gag order, with many taking an antisemitic tone.
As the legal battle continues, the New York State Judicial System faces increased scrutiny, with questions arising about the impact of Trump’s attacks on the trial’s integrity. Dawn Engoron has been contacted for comment, adding another layer to the unfolding controversy.
