Former President Donald Trump wasted no time in launching a series of attacks against court personnel involved in his civil fraud trial in New York, moments after an appeals court temporarily lifted a gag order against him.
The gag order, initially imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron to prevent Trump from making public comments about court staff, was paused by the New York Appellate Division, giving Trump a brief window to express his grievances openly.
Renewed Attacks on Social Media
Trump, seizing this opportunity, took to his platform, Truth Social, to criticize the court clerk, Allison Greenfield, and Judge Engoron. Trump accused Greenfield of being a “politically biased and out of control, Trump-hating clerk,” echoing his previous remarks that led to the gag order. He also targeted Judge Engoron, accusing him of driving businesses and jobs out of New York City and calling Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, a “worldwide disgrace.”
Reactions from Trump’s Inner Circle
Jason Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, also participated in the attacks, posting on social media about the perceived unfair treatment of Trump. Miller labeled Greenfield a “Democrat operative and hack” and suggested that Judge Engoron be “investigated and removed from the bench.”
Background of the Case
The civil lawsuit against Trump and his organization alleges fraudulent inflation of asset values for financial gain. Engoron has previously issued a pre-trial summary judgment finding Trump guilty of fraud and revoking his business license, a decision Trump is currently appealing. The trial continues in Manhattan to examine the details of the fraud.
Controversies Surrounding the Gag Order
The gag order was first imposed on October 3 after Trump posted a picture of Greenfield with Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader in the US Senate. Trump derided Greenfield as “Schumer’s girlfriend,” prompting concerns about her safety and the imposition of the order to protect court staff from threats.
Consequences and Ongoing Developments
Trump had already faced penalties for violating the gag order twice, resulting in $15,000 in fines. The New York Appellate Division judge’s decision to pause the order is temporary, set to last until at least November 27 when a full panel of judges will review the matter.
