In a civil business fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump, a state court judge in New York imposed a limited gag order on Tuesday. The judge also ordered Trump to delete a social media post that insulted a key court staffer.
Judge Arthur Engoron warned all participants in the case not to attack court personnel, emphasizing the possibility of “serious sanctions” if they do.
“Personal attacks on members of my court staff are unacceptable, not appropriate, and I will not tolerate them,” Engoron stated. He complained about a defendant’s post that he described as “disparaging, untrue and personally identifying” without mentioning any names.
Earlier in the day, Trump had posted a photo on his Truth Social platform showing Engoron’s principal law clerk, Allison Greenfield, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Trump, who is a potential candidate for the 2024 presidential election, has repeatedly portrayed the trial as a political attack by New York’s Democratic attorney general, Letitia James.
In his post, Trump criticized Greenfield’s involvement in the trial, calling it “disgraceful.” He had voiced similar complaints outside the court on Monday.
The post triggered discussions among Trump, his lawyers, and lawyers for the other side behind closed doors during the usual lunch break. By the time the gag order was issued, Trump had already deleted the post as instructed by Engoron.
In response to the post, a spokesperson for Schumer referred to it as “pathetic” and clarified that the senator doesn’t know Greenfield and often takes photos with constituents.
Aside from the controversy caused by the post, James’ attorney questioned an accountant on Tuesday in an effort to build the state’s case against Trump and others at his company. The state’s lawsuit alleges that Trump and his business consistently lied about his wealth on financial statements provided to banks, insurers, and others.
Engoron also clarified a comment made by Trump on Monday, which the former president had touted as a victory. While Trump’s legal team argued that certain claims in the case were time-barred, Engoron ruled last week that all claims were permissible under the statute of limitations. The judge reiterated on Tuesday that the trial is not an opportunity to re-litigate the issue.
Trump maintains his innocence and continues to dismiss the case as a “scam.” His lawyers argue that his financial statements accurately reflected the value of luxury properties associated with him, and the defense emphasizes that the statements contained disclaimers stating they were not audited and that others may have different conclusions with more information.
Accountant Donald Bender continued his testimony on Tuesday regarding the preparation of the financial statements based on figures provided by Trump’s company. Bender admitted that the Trump Organization failed to provide all the necessary documents in some years, despite stating otherwise in letters to the accounting firm.
During cross-examination, Bender acknowledged that he missed a change in information about the size of Trump’s penthouse at Trump Tower. Trump’s defense lawyer seized on this, blaming Bender for the mistake. However, Bender defended himself, stating that it was the Trump Organization that made the error.
After another closed-door discussion among Trump, James, and their respective lawyers, Trump announced that he would return for a third day of the trial on Wednesday. While expressing his desire to be on the campaign trail instead, he has been using the waiting cameras in the courthouse hallway to make political statements.
James scored an early victory in the trial when Engoron ruled last week that Trump committed fraud by exaggerating the size and value of his properties. The current trial focuses on the remaining claims in the lawsuit and the penalties that Trump may face. James is seeking $250 million and a ban on Trump’s business activities in New York. The judge has already ruled that some of Trump’s companies should be dissolved as a form of punishment.
The non-jury trial continues to address the remaining claims and determine the potential penalties that Trump may face. [newstodayalert]
