Did Trump Try To Convert Presidency Into ‘Moneymaking Enterprise’?

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New York’s Top Court Rejects Trump’s Request to Overturn Gag Order in Fraud Case

New York’s highest court has rejected former President Donald Trump’s appeal to lift a gag order in his ongoing civil fraud trial, affirming the decision made last week. The Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal, noting it did not raise significant constitutional questions. Trump’s lawyers had contended that the gag order, implemented by Judge Arthur Engoron in October, unlawfully restricted Trump’s freedom of speech.

The order was issued after Trump posted derogatory remarks about Engoron’s principal law clerk on his Truth Social account, which were deemed false by a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The clerk was accused by Trump and his lawyers of bias and acting as a “co-judge,” which Engoron denied. The clerk was notably active during the trial, interacting frequently with the judge.

Engoron has maintained a firm stance against attacks on his staff, considering them inappropriate. He had even called Trump to testify unexpectedly regarding a perceived comment about the clerk. A lower appeals court had previously reinstated Engoron’s gag order after an initial challenge by Trump’s legal team. They argued that the enforcement of the gag order cast doubt on Engoron’s impartiality.

Additionally, Trump’s lawyers filed a mistrial motion, alleging bias by the judge and his clerk, which Engoron dismissed as baseless. The gag order does not prohibit criticism of Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James, or their family members. During the trial, Trump openly criticized James and Engoron as biased against him.

The lawsuit, filed by James, accuses Trump, his business, and top executives, including his adult sons, of manipulating asset values for tax and insurance benefits. The trial concluded recently with both sides presenting their final arguments. James’s office is seeking a substantial financial penalty against Trump and a lifetime ban from New York’s real estate industry. Engoron expects to deliver his decision on the case by the end of the month.