A gag order preventing former President Donald Trump from speaking publicly about court personnel in his civil fraud trial in New York was reinstated by a state appeals court Thursday.
Appeals Judge David Friedman earlier this month revoked a limited open-mouth order against Trump, 77, out of concern that it violated his constitutional right to free speech.
But a four-judge panel with the New York Appellate Division, First Department overturned Friedman’s decision in a brief ruling Thursday that offered no explanation.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron — who is overseeing the $250 million case against Trump — in October issued two rulings barring the 2024 GOP presidential candidate and his lawyers from speaking publicly about court personnel.
Engoron then went on to hit Trump with a total fine of $15,000 after discovering he had twice violated the order.
The judge, during Thursday’s hearing, said he would “firmly and vigorously” enforce the order now that it has been reinstated.
The decision was first imposed after Trump posted about Chief Justice Allison Greenfield’s law clerk alleging she ran a hearing against him and falsely called her “Schumer’s girlfriend” — including a photo of her with Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY ).
Former President Donald Trump’s gag order has been reinstated by an appeals court. via REUTERS
It doesn’t stop anyone from criticizing the judge, only the staff.
A lawyer for Engoron last week told an appeals court that he and his chief clerk have received daily threats — including antisemitic slurs — since Trump’s posts about him.
But Trump’s team fired back on Monday, arguing that while the threats were “despicable” they did not cause “definite harm,” and that Trump’s right to free speech was more important given that he is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.
“Tragic day for the rule of law,” Trump lawyer Christoper Kise told The Post on Thursday. “In a country where the First Amendment is sacrosanct, President Trump may not comment on why he thinks he can’t get a fair trial.”
“It’s hard to imagine a more unfair process and it’s hard to believe this is happening in America.”
The trial is in its ninth week with Trump’s side presenting its defense case.
Eric Trump and his father are expected to be called back to the witness stand on Wednesday and on December 11, respectively.
Engoron said Thursday that once testimony is completed, both sides have until early January to file motions — with closing arguments scheduled for January 11.
The judge said he hopes to issue his decision in the non-jury case by the end of January.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
