The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s $250 million civil fraud trial imposed a partial gag order on his legal team due to their “inappropriate remarks” about his principal law clerk.
Judge Arthur Engoron’s order prohibits lawyers Christopher Kise, Clifford Robert, and Alina Habba, who represent Trump and his sons, from making any public statements, in or out of court, pertaining to confidential communications between the judge and his staff.
The order warns of serious sanctions for non-compliance and addresses false accusations made by the lawyers against the clerk, alleging bias and improper influence on the trial.
Judge Engoron dismisses these baseless claims and affirms his right to consult with his staff throughout the trial.
In addition, the judge reveals that his chambers have been inundated with harassing and threatening communications since the start of the trial.
This gag order follows a heated argument between Engoron and Trump’s legal team about the judge’s interaction with his clerk. The judge disputes the team’s claim that their relationship is problematic and cites another judge with a similar dynamic to counter their argument.
Kise complains about perceived bias in the judge’s rulings and the need to document any advice received from the clerk.
Kise, Robert, and Habba have not yet provided a comment, and the Attorney General’s office involved in the case has also not responded to inquiries.
Prior to adjourning on Thursday, Engoron confronts Kise for his derogatory reference to the law clerk, highlighting a sense of misogyny. Kise further makes an inappropriate remark about the judge and the clerk’s interactions.
Last month, Engoron issued a partial gag order on Trump for making disparaging comments about the clerk, resulting in fines for violating the order.
Engoron firmly states his disapproval of personal attacks on his court staff.
Original article published on NBCNews.com.
