The measure is temporary but it’s definitely a win for Trump.
A New York appeals court judge, David Friedman, has temporarily lifted the gag order preventing Donald Trump from commenting on court staff in his civil fraud trial. The trial judge, Arthur Engoron, had imposed the order and fined Trump $15,000 for violating it by posting a disparaging comment about a court clerk on social media. Judge Friedman’s decision, based on constitutional concerns about free speech limitations, grants a stay on the gag order, allowing Trump to freely discuss court staff while the appeals process unfolds.
Trump’s legal team filed a lawsuit against Judge Engoron, alleging an abuse of power in implementing the gag order. An emergency hearing was scheduled by Judge Friedman, acknowledging the constitutional implications, and took place at a state appellate courthouse near the trial location.
