In a recent social media post on Thanksgiving Day, former President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the judge presiding over his civil lawsuit in New York State. Trump labeled Judge Arthur Engoron as “psycho” and accused both him and his principal clerk, Alison Greenfield, of political bias and corruption.
Engoron had previously imposed a gag order on Trump during his ongoing $250 million trial. This order was temporarily suspended by a state appeals court for review. Trump’s legal team argues that the gag order, which restricts Trump from commenting on Engoron’s staff and other legal opponents, is unconstitutional. They point out its broader implications, especially as Trump is a leading contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
The defense for the gag order referenced a statement from Charles Hollon of the New York Public State Court System Safety Department’s Judicial Threats Assessment Unit. This statement detailed the numerous threats received by Greenfield, including antisemitic remarks, following Trump’s allegations of her being romantically involved with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Trump has been penalized twice by Judge Engoron for violating the gag order, incurring fines totaling $15,000. His lawyers have challenged these fines as excessive and not in compliance with court procedures.
Judge Engoron has previously ruled in the lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, finding that Trump, along with his sons and their business, committed financial fraud by inflating asset values for loans and tax benefits. The judge is currently considering the damages in a bench trial, a trial conducted without a jury.