NY Judge Imposes Gag Order as Trump Attacks Clerk
The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York issued a limited gag order on Oct. 3 after the former president made a disparaging social media post about a court staffer.
After flip-flopping several times on his opinion of the presiding judge, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, President Trump criticized Justice Engoron’s principal law clerk, Allison Greenfield, in a social media post. Justice Engoron frequently consults with Ms. Greenfield on cases.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump shared a link to an Instagram account featuring a photo of Ms. Greenfield with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and made unfounded claims about their relationship and Ms. Greenfield’s involvement in the case. The post gained significant attention after being sent out in a campaign email on Oct. 3.
During a lunch break, two closed-door meetings took place. The trial resumed after the delay, and the judge ordered the removal of the post.
By the time the trial resumed, the post had already been deleted.
“Personal attacks on members of my court staff are unacceptable and inappropriate,” Justice Engoron stated. He had previously warned both parties against such attacks on Oct. 2.
“Consider this a gag order on all parties with respect to posting or publicly speaking about any member of my staff,” he declared, emphasizing that any violations would not be tolerated and would result in sanctions.
President Trump’s legal team has faced multiple sanctions from Justice Engoron, who deemed their arguments “frivolous” even after dismissing them.
First Testimony
Last September, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the former president, accusing him of defrauding the state by inflating his net worth to gain favorable deals. The trial seeks $250 million in damages and aims to prevent President Trump and his sons from conducting business in the state.
The judge has already ruled President Trump liable for fraud and revoked the Trump Organization’s business certification. The trial will address additional claims made by Ms. James regarding falsified financial statements and the future of President Trump’s other businesses and properties.
Despite repeated attempts by President Trump’s side to delay the trial, it commenced on Oct. 2 with the former president making a dramatic entrance. He spoke to the press multiple times, closely scrutinized the presented evidence from the front row, and expressed his intention to “expose” what he described as a ”fraudulent” and “rigged” prosecution.
The first witness to testify was Donald Bender, a former partner at Mazars USA. He worked closely with the Trump Organization and prepared President Trump’s tax returns. The prosecution questioned him extensively about the accuracy of the financial statements provided by the Trump Organization.
Mr. Bender presented a letter from the Trump Organization acknowledging its responsibility for accurate accounting. He also testified about a letter stating that the firm had not knowingly withheld any relevant financial data.
What did Trump say about the judges law clerk?
In his post, Trump insinuated that she had a personal relationship with Schumer. He then referred to it to reporters during the lunch break, saying: “You saw what was just put out about Schumer and the principal clerk? That is disgraceful.” Individual involved in this trial,” Justice Engoron declared during the trial. The limited gag order aims to prevent further disparaging remarks and potential interference with the proceedings.
The incident involving President Trump’s social media post has raised concerns about the boundaries of free speech and its impact on the fairness and impartiality of the trial. While individuals have the right to express their opinions, public figures like former presidents hold a significant amount of influence and must exercise caution and responsibility when making statements about ongoing legal cases.
President Trump’s previous remarks about Justice Engoron and his apparent change of opinion have also raised eyebrows. Flip-flopping on one’s opinion of a judge can undermine public confidence in the judiciary and cast doubts on the fairness of the trial. It is essential for all parties involved in legal proceedings to uphold the integrity of the judicial system and show respect for the court and its staff.
The use of social media platforms to influence public opinion and sway the narrative surrounding the trial is becoming increasingly prevalent. President Trump’s post linking Allison Greenfield, the principal law clerk, to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has sparked speculation and unfounded claims about their relationship and its potential impact on the case. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction and rely on credible sources for accurate information.
The swift removal of President Trump’s post indicates the recognition of its inappropriate nature and potential to disrupt the trial. However, the damage may have
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