Gag order is reinstated in Trump’s civil case amid death threats towards judge and his staff
Trials & Litigation
Gag order is reinstated in Trump’s civil case amid death threats towards judge and his staff
December 1, 2023, 11:38 am CST
A New York appeals court on Thursday reinstated gag orders imposed in the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump.
The Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, denied an interim request to stay enforcement of the gag orders imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron while Trump appeals fines of $5,000 and $10,000 for violations.
Courthouse News Service, Law.com, Bloomberg Law, Above the Law, Law360 and Reuters have coverage.
The gag orders ban the parties and attorneys in the case from commenting on Engoron’s staff members.
Engoron imposed the first gag order on the parties after Trump alleged on Truth social, his social media platform, that Engoron’s law clerk was biased and “running this case against me.” He included her name and photo. Engoron later extended the gag order to the attorneys.
Before the appeals court acted, a New York appeals judge had temporarily lifted the gag order. During that time, Trump continued his attacks on the law clerk. Trump’s criticism led to an increase in threats, according to an affidavit that included some examples.
“Resign now, you dirty, treasonous piece of trash snake,” said one of the few voicemail transcripts without profanity or antisemitic comments. “We are going to get you and anyone of you dirty, backstabbing, lying, cheating American. You are nothing but a bunch of communists. We are coming to remove you permanently.”
Engoron is hearing the civil case by the state of New York alleging that Trump inflated the value of his property in fraudulent statements provided to lenders and insurers.
According to Courthouse News Service, the trial is nearing an end. Trump, who is the final witness for the defense, is expected to resume testimony on Dec. 11.
See also: Meet Arthur Engoron, the ‘somewhat quirky’ judge deciding fate of Trump and his businesses in civil trial
