On Thursday, the New York Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on Judge Arthur Engoron’s gag order against President Trump.
Appellate Judge David Friedman noted that this decision was based on Trump’s First Amendment rights.
In October, Judge Engoron called for President Trump to testify after accusing him of violating the gag order with his prior remarks to the press.
The judge also imposed a $10,000 fine against Trump. New York Attorney General Letitia James is currently seeking $250 million in damages and to bar Trump and his sons from conducting business in New York.
This case is being heard without a jury present.
Last month, during a break in proceedings, President Trump gave an interview that included criticism of Michael Cohen as a “discredited witness” and referred to Arthur Engoron as a “partisan judge.”
“He’s a felon, convicted felon for lying, went to jail for lying, and this is their only witness,” Trump said to reporters. “When you think about it, it’s pretty amazing.”
President Trump defended his net worth and empire’s assets when Judge Engoron called him to the witness stand and asked him about his remarks to reporters.
When questioned if he was referring to Michael Cohen, Trump replied in the affirmative. In response, Judge Engoron imposed a $10,000 fine on Trump for violating his gag order.
President Trump’s attorneys filed a motion for mistrial asserting that the case was affected by bias.
Additionally, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY) submitted an ethics complaint against Judge Arthur Engoron due to his questionable conduct and apparent bias in the civil fraud case.
“Judge Engoron’s bizarre and biased behavior is making New York’s judicial system a laughingstock. Former Southern District of New York federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy, who has at times criticized President Trump, recently stated that he views the “whole New York justice system” as “fraudulent.”” Stefanik wrote.
“Americans are sick and tired of the blatant corruption by radical Leftist judges in NY. All New Yorkers must speak out against the dangerous weaponized lawfare against President Trump,” Stefanik said.
