Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack against the judge presiding over his civil fraud trial on Thursday. This came just hours after an appeals court temporarily lifted a gag order, allowing Trump to speak more freely about court staff. The gag order, originally imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron during the trial, was deemed “unconstitutional” by a New York Appellate Division judge who issued the stay. The pause will remain in effect until at least November 27, when a panel of judges will review the matter.
The gag order was initially imposed after Trump repeatedly attacked the judge’s law clerk. Trump had already violated the order twice, resulting in fines totaling $15,000 and warnings from Engoron about severe penalties for further violations. Engoron defended his ruling, citing the need to protect court staff from numerous threatening and antisemitic calls and letters.
Despite these circumstances, the former president celebrated the temporary lifting of the gag order. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his views, calling the order “ridiculous and unconstitutional.” He accused the judge and his clerk of being politically biased and claimed they were defending New York Attorney General Letitia James, whom he described as a “worldwide disgrace” due to her ongoing investigation against him.
Trump’s aides also joined in the attacks on the judge and his clerk. Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, referred to the clerk, Allison Greenfield, as a “Democratic Operative.” This echoed Trump’s initial attack that led to the imposition of the gag order.
Trump continued his tirade on Thursday, stating that the “wicked attack on Democracy must be ended, NOW.” He further claimed that Judge Engoron’s actions would permanently discourage businesses and jobs from coming to New York State, asserting his own innocence in the matter.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the contentious relationship between Donald Trump and the justice system, as well as the broader political implications surrounding his civil fraud trial.
