Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has hailed a victory following a temporary lifting of a gag order imposed on former President Trump and his legal team in his New York civil fraud case. The order, which prohibited them from discussing the trial judge’s staff, was lifted by a New York appeals court. Stefanik had filed an ethics complaint against Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron and expressed her satisfaction with the court’s decision.
Trump’s legal team had filed an emergency lawsuit claiming that the gag orders raised doubts about Engoron’s ability to be an impartial fact finder in the case. They sought an interim stay of the gag orders and the resulting sanctions. The orders were a consequence of Trump’s online attack on the judge’s principal law clerk, during which he posted personally identifying information about her. Engoron had fined Trump $15,000 for multiple violations and unexpectedly summoned him to the witness stand to explain his comment.
The appeals judge, in the Thursday decision, expressed concern about the restriction of Trump’s free speech due to the gag orders. As a result, Trump can now freely comment on Engoron’s staff during the appeals process.
Stefanik, a strong supporter of Trump, had previously filed a judicial ethics complaint against Engoron, alleging bias and intemperate behavior towards the former president. She emphasized the importance of protecting defendants’ First Amendment and due process rights, stating that the issue extends beyond Trump.
Stefanik concluded her statement by highlighting the potential implications for all individuals, stating, “If Democrats can do this to a billionaire, former President, and leading presidential candidate, just imagine what they can do to the rest of us.” She vowed to continue fighting for all New Yorkers.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit The Hill.
