faced a $5,000 fine on Friday in his New York civil trial after a social media post disparaging one of his staffers remained visible for an extended period.
New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron had issued an order on October 3rd, instructing Trump not to criticize his staff and to delete a post that accused his clerk, Allison Greenfield, of being Senate Majority Leader ‘s girlfriend. However, the post remained visible for weeks.
“Future violations, whether intentional or unintentional, will result in more severe sanctions, including but not limited to higher financial penalties, holding Donald Trump in contempt of court, and potential imprisonment,” warned Engoron.
This incident highlights how judges can potentially penalize Trump even before verdicts are reached in the numerous civil and criminal cases against him. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan also ordered Trump not to criticize prosecutors, court staff, or witnesses in his federal trial on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.
Trump requested that Chutkan suspend her order while he appeals the decision.
“No Court in American history has imposed a gag order on a criminal defendant who is campaigning for public office – especially not on the leading candidate for President of the United States,” argued Trump’s lawyers in a court filing.
Engoron deemed Truth Social’s failure to remove the post a “blatant violation” of his limited gag order.
“Incendiary falsehoods can lead to serious physical harm,” warned Engoron. “I will allow the defendant to present arguments as to why they should not face severe sanctions
