In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump took the witness stand during his ongoing civil fraud trial. During the proceedings, he faced questioning from the judge, Justice Arthur Engoron, regarding his out-of-court comments disparaging the judge’s law clerk. As a result of Trump’s testimony and his failure to abide by the gag order, the judge fined him $10,000, marking the second fine imposed within a week for violating the order.
The Background
The civil fraud trial centers around allegations from the New York attorney general, accusing Trump and his businesses of fraudulently inflating Trump’s net worth. The trial has been closely watched, and this unexpected testimony by Trump became a pivotal moment.
The Controversy
The incident leading to the judge’s decision to fine Trump was related to comments the former president made earlier in the day to reporters. Trump referred to the judge as “a very partisan judge” and alluded to a person sitting alongside him who he deemed “even much more partisan.” When questioned on the witness stand, Trump identified this individual as Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer. However, the judge believed Trump was referring to his law clerk, Allison Greenfield, whom Trump had previously targeted with disparaging remarks.
The judge had previously issued a gag order on October 3, prohibiting Trump from making any comments about court staff. The order was a response to a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform, in which he claimed that Greenfield was “running this case” and was “Schumer’s girlfriend.” The judge expressed concern for the safety of his staff.
The Outcome
Justice Engoron was clearly agitated by Trump’s comments and imposed the fine, stating that he had previously warned of severe sanctions for any future violations of the gag order. After the fine was issued, Trump abruptly left the courtroom and did not return.
The Bigger Picture
This is not the first fine Trump has received for violating the gag order. Last week, he was fined $5,000 after his campaign website continued to display the controversial October 3 post despite the court’s order to remove it. The judge had also indicated that he would consider more severe penalties for future violations, potentially including holding Trump in contempt of court or imprisonment.
The Ongoing Legal Battles
Apart from the New York civil fraud trial, Trump is also battling a separate gag order in the federal criminal case related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This case, brought by special counsel Jack Smith, has its own set of restrictions on Trump’s statements, including a prohibition on targeting court personnel and witnesses. Trump’s lawyers have appealed this gag order, and the situation remains legally complex.
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