New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron, who had recently received praise from former President Donald J. Trump for what Trump claimed was the dismissal of “eighty percent” of his case, has issued a gag order against Trump.
This decision came after the 45th President publicly criticized Engoron’s law clerk in press comments and on social media.
During the ongoing fraud trial’s second day, Engoron informed Trump’s legal team about the gag order.
“Consider this statement a gag order on all parties with respect to posting or publicly speaking about any member of my staff.” Engoron said.
“Personal attacks on members of my court staff are unacceptable, inappropriate, and I will not tolerate them in any circumstances. Failure to abide by this order will result in serious sanctions.” Engoron added.
Judge Engoron specifically took issue with a post Trump made on Truth Social, where he criticized Engoron’s principal law clerk, Ashley Greenfield, and shared an image of her with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Judge Engoron has issued a gag order in the Trump civil fraud trial after Trump posted about the judge’s clerk.
Engoron: “Consider this statement a gag order forbidding all parties from posting emailing or speaking publicly about any of my staff.”— erica orden (@eorden) October 3, 2023
In the now-deleted post, Trump wrote, “Schumer’s girlfriend, Alison R. Greenfield, is running this case against me. How disgraceful! This case should be dismissed immediately.”
Outside the courthouse, Trump highlighted the post to reporters, suggesting a connection between Schumer and Greenfield, characterizing the trial as a “witch hunt” and calling it “rigged” and “fraudulent.”
Following this, the Trump campaign sent out an email extensively criticizing Engoron as a “Far-Left Democrat,” pointing out the judge’s Democratic connections and political bias, and suggesting that New York Attorney General Letitia James should also be dismissed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his objections to Engoron’s rulings and the valuation of his assets, asserting that the case should be dismissed and that the Attorney General should face reprimand and sanctions for pursuing it.
Directly addressing Judge Engoron in another post, Trump argued that the judge had been misled about his net worth and accused the New York State Attorney General of fraud for political and election interference.
Trump had previously voiced his discontent with the judge, describing him as a “Democrat judge” and an “operative.”
As of the latest information available, Senator Schumer has made no public comment regarding any relationship with Allison Greenfield.
