Former President Donald Trump has filed a motion for a mistrial in the ongoing $250 million civil fraud trial against him in Manhattan Supreme Court, citing alleged bias from Justice Arthur Engoron. Trump's legal team, led by attorneys Clifford Robert and Alina Habba, claims that Engoron's conduct and rulings throughout the trial, now in its 28th day, have been unfairly skewed against Trump.
The motion specifically addresses a partial gag order imposed by Engoron, which restricts Trump from publicly speaking about the court staff, particularly Engoron's principal law clerk, Allison Greenfield. Trump's legal team argues that this order, along with other actions by Engoron, including the sharing of news articles about the case in a college alumni newsletter, demonstrates bias. They also claim that Greenfield has been given "unprecedented status and input" in the trial, amounting to "co-judging" by an unelected staff member.
Trump's lawyers have highlighted that the judge allegedly sent articles critical of Trump and his legal team eight times in a Wheatley School alumni newsletter starting on Oct. 2, 2020. Additionally, they claim that Greenfield, a Democrat, has made political contributions totaling $3,900 to groups supporting New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the fraud suit against Trump in September 2022.
The filing further notes that Engoron fined Trump a total of $15,000 for twice violating the gag order. The attorneys argue that the fines and the gag order itself represent a significant bias against Trump, compromising the fairness of the trial.
In response, James has stated, "Once again, Donald Trump is trying to dismiss the truth and the facts, but the numbers and evidence don't lie. Donald Trump is now being held accountable for the years of fraud he committed and the incredible ways he lied to enrich himself and his family."
As the trial continues, the motion for a mistrial represents a significant development in a case that has already seen multiple twists and turns. Trump's legal team contends that only a mistrial can salvage the rule of law in what they describe as a politically charged case. The motion's outcome remains to be seen, as it is subject to the ruling of Engoron, the very judge it criticizes.
The case, which also involves Trump's two elder sons, Don Jr. and Eric, and the Trump Organization, centers on allegations that Trump lied on financial statements for a decade, exaggerating his net worth for better loan and insurance terms. The trial has been ongoing since Oct. 2, 2022, amidst a backdrop of intense political and legal scrutiny.
