Title: Appellate Court Reinstates Gag Order in $250 Million Fraud Trial Involving Former President Trump
Date: [Insert Date]
Source: MazMessenger
In a significant development, a New York appellate court has reinstated a gag order in the ongoing $250 million civil fraud trial that involves former President Donald Trump. The order, originally issued by Judge Arthur Engoron, prohibits Trump and his attorneys from making public statements about the courtroom staff, particularly a clerk whom Trump claims is biased against him.
This decision comes after numerous comments made by Trump about the clerk, which led to the clerk receiving hundreds of threatening phone calls, social media messages, and emails. The reinstated gag order aims to protect the clerk and maintain the integrity of the trial proceedings.
Although the appeals court had temporarily halted the gag order, it recently decided to reinstate it while an official appeal is pending. Judge Engoron, during a break in the trial, announced the reinstatement of the gag order and emphasized his intention to enforce it rigorously.
The $250 million lawsuit was filed by the New York attorney general’s office, alleging that Trump and his co-defendants committed fraud by inflating assets on financial statements. Trump had urged the appeals court to continue blocking the gag order, arguing that threats against the judge and clerk should not infringe upon his constitutional right to defend himself.
Trump has been under scrutiny for making derogatory comments about the clerk both online and outside the courtroom, although he refrained from mentioning her by name. As a consequence of violating the gag order, Judge Engoron imposed a fine of $15,000 on Trump.
The trial’s final decision is expected to be issued at the end of January 2024 at the earliest. On December 12, the New York attorney general’s office may present a rebuttal case in a single day. However, closing arguments will not take place, and both sides are required to submit written briefings by January 5, 2024.
Oral arguments have been scheduled for January 11, after which Judge Engoron intends to file his written decision by the end of the month. Notably, the decision will not be issued in open court.
In another related case, Trump is awaiting a ruling on a separate gag order in the federal election subversion case against him. The order restricts Trump from attacking special counsel Jack Smith and court staff but allows him to criticize the Justice Department and argue that the case is politically motivated.
As this story continues to evolve, MazMessenger will keep providing updates. Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Shania Shelton.
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