Former President Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial took a tumultuous turn on Friday as Judge Arthur Engoron issued a stern gag order on Trump’s legal team. The order came after the attorneys made inappropriate remarks about Engoron’s law clerk, Allison Greenfield, accusing her of bias and improper influence on the trial.
The gag order prohibits Trump’s attorneys, Chris Kise, Alina Habba, and Clifford Robert, from discussing any internal and confidential communications between the judge and his staff. Engoron made it clear that the need to protect his staff from harassment and threats outweighs the defendants’ First Amendment right to comment on them.
The gag order, which expands the existing order that only applied to Trump himself, was issued in response to hundreds of harassing and threatening messages received by Engoron’s chambers. It does not restrict anyone from expressing their opinions about the judge.
The trial proceedings on Friday began with Engoron expressing his concerns about Trump and his legal team’s repeated attacks on Greenfield, claiming bias. Defense attorney Chris Kise argued that if there was a perception of bias, it needed to be addressed. However, Engoron emphasized that he saw the case as non-political and reiterated his right to receive assistance from his clerk.
Kise went on to criticize the court, claiming that rulings frequently went against them on major issues. He also mentioned an article calling for Greenfield’s disbarment over her political donations to Democrats. Engoron dismissed Kise’s claims, stating he had no knowledge of the article and that it was merely an allegation.
The tensions between Engoron and Trump’s legal team have been escalating, with Engoron previously fining Trump $15,000 for violating a gag order by attacking Greenfield. The judge accused Kise of exhibiting misogyny in his repeated attacks on the law clerk.
Despite the ongoing disputes, the trial proceeded with Eric Trump taking the stand to continue his testimony. He defended himself by stating that he relied on professional advice from accounting firms and legal teams when signing off on financial statements for his father.
The relationship between Engoron and Trump’s team remains strained, with the judge expressing frustration at the repeated attacks on his staff. The gag order serves as a measure to protect his staff and ensure a fair trial.
