Former President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over his civil fraud trial in New York. Trump took to his social media platform to express his frustration with the judge, referring to him as “crazy” and “crazed” in his hatred of him. This comes after Judge Engoron issued a ruling ordering Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, to testify in the case.
In an earlier ruling, an appeals court had dismissed Ivanka as a defendant in the lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Ivanka’s attorneys successfully argued that she had not been involved with the Trump Organization since 2017 and that the claims against her were outdated. Trump highlighted this in his social media message, stating that she had been released from the case by the court of appeals, but Judge Engoron apparently disregarded the appeals court’s decision.
Trump’s frustration with the judge stems from previous incidents as well. Engoron fined the former president $10,000 for violating a gag order, and he had also been ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for posting inflammatory comments about the judge’s chief law clerk. Trump believes that these actions by the judge are intended to divert attention away from the fact that the judge’s star witness admitted to lying to Congress during the trial.
This latest attack on Judge Engoron is part of a pattern for Trump, who has frequently criticized judges and the legal system since leaving office. He accuses the judge of being an “out of control nut job” and a “partisan political hack.” Trump alleges that Engoron is overturned on appeal more often than almost any other judge in New York State and completely disregards the decisions of higher courts.
Despite Trump’s public criticisms, it is ultimately up to the judge and the legal process to determine the outcome of the civil fraud trial. The trial will continue as scheduled, and Judge Engoron will make his rulings based on the evidence and the law.
FAQs
1. What is the civil fraud trial involving Donald Trump?
The civil fraud trial involving Donald Trump is a legal proceeding in New York in which the former president faces allegations of fraud. The case was brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
2. Why has Judge Engoron ordered Ivanka Trump to testify?
Judge Engoron ordered Ivanka Trump to testify in the case after an appeals court had dismissed her as a defendant. The judge apparently disregarded the appeals court’s decision and believes her testimony is relevant to the trial.
3. What fines has Donald Trump incurred during the trial?
Donald Trump has been fined $10,000 for violating a gag order and an additional $5,000 for posting inflammatory comments about the judge’s chief law clerk.
4. Is Judge Engoron biased against Donald Trump?
Donald Trump alleges that Judge Engoron is biased against him and refers to the judge as a “partisan political hack.” However, it is the judge’s responsibility to make rulings based on the evidence and the law.
5. Will Donald Trump’s criticisms affect the outcome of the trial?
Donald Trump’s public criticisms of Judge Engoron are unlikely to affect the outcome of the trial. The judge will make decisions based on the facts presented during the trial and the applicable legal principles.