Recent development on November 30, 2023, a New York appeals court has once again imposed gag orders on former President Donald Trump and his legal team, preventing them from making public comments about the staff of Judge Arthur Engoron overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial, as reported by ABC News.
The reinstated gag orders, originally issued by Judge Engoron of the New York County Supreme Court, Civil Term, explicitly prohibit Trump and his attorneys from disparaging or intimidating the court staff, including the judge’s clerk, who has been a target of insults and threats from Trump.
Judge Engoron, determined to maintain order and decorum in the proceedings, emphasized his intention to rigorously enforce the limited gag order he initially imposed last month. This decision comes after an appeals court reinstated the stay on the gag orders.
“We’re aware. It’s a tragic day for the rule of law, but we are aware,” responded Trump’s lawyer, acknowledging the court’s decision.
The gag orders were initially put in place by Judge Engoron on September 26, following his ruling that Trump had committed fraud by inflating the value of real estate assets to secure favorable insurance policies and loan agreements. This ruling led to the cancellation of Trump’s business licenses in the State of New York.
Trump, labeled as a potential witness in the trial, has vehemently criticized Judge Engoron, referring to the fraud ruling as the “corporate death penalty” and the judge as a “political hack.” Trump plans to appeal the decision.
Despite challenges from Trump’s legal team, arguing First Amendment violations and bias, the appeals court disagreed. It found that the gag orders were narrowly tailored to protect the judicial process and court staff’s safety. The court also dismissed claims of bias, stating that Judge Engoron had acted within his discretion and authority.
The appeals court rejected Trump’s lawyers’ request to remove Judge Engoron from the case, emphasizing the absence of evidence warranting such a drastic measure.
The civil fraud trial, initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, is scheduled to commence on November 6. Seeking $250 million in damages, James alleges that Trump and his company defrauded lenders, insurers, and tax authorities. Trump denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the legal proceedings as a politically motivated witch hunt, while also hinting at a potential presidential run in 2024.
