(TheProudRepublic.com) – In light of recent prejudiced procedures against him, former President Donald Trump has requested a mistrial in his ongoing New York civil fraud case, citing substantial bias as the primary reason.
In a detailed 30-page document, Trump’s legal team accuses Judge Arthur Engoron of engaging in non-judicial activities by publicly discussing aspects of the trial. The motion explicitly highlights Engoron’s collaboration with his law clerk, Allison Greenfield, who is accused of engaging in “extensive, public partisan activities.”
Furthermore, Trump’s legal team criticizes the gag orders issued by Engoron, which restrict Trump and other involved parties from publicly speaking about the staff members. These gag orders are an attempt to prevent the exposure of these issues.
The motion articulates, “Such evidence, coupled with an unprecedented departure from standard judicial procedure, has tainted these proceedings and a mistrial is warranted.” It emphasizes the court’s perceived partiality, suggesting that Engoron and Greenfield’s conduct could lead even an impartial observer to question the fairness of the trial. The lawyers assert, “Thus, only the grant of a mistrial can salvage what is left of the rule of law.”
Engoron’s decision to impose a gag order on Trump in early October followed a post made by Trump on Truth Social, in which he referred to Greenfield as the “girlfriend” of Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Subsequent violations of this order led to fines of $5,000 and $10,000. Trump’s legal team argues, “The gag orders and the enforcement thereof reveal the Court has christened itself camera stellata: judge, jury, and executioner, proceeding sua sponte to act against President Trump in violation of the Constitution, the Judiciary Law, and First Department rules.”
Trump’s team criticizes this approach as reminiscent of a “Star Chamber,” especially since the gag orders seemingly protect the court from public criticism, a fundamental First Amendment right.
The motion further highlights Greenfield’s political contributions to Democrats, which exceed the $500 limit allowed for court staff in a single year. Trump’s lawyers take issue with Engoron permitting Greenfield to sit beside him during proceedings.
Additionally, Trump alleges that Engoron’s practice of posting links to articles that disparage parties and counsel in a newsletter violates the judicial code of conduct regarding public commentary on pending cases.
In his testimony, Trump labeled the case a “political witch hunt” and condemned Engoron’s previous ruling that accused him of deceiving banks and insurance companies by inflating his net worth.
