New York judge refused Thursday to reverse a $10,000 fine imposed on former President Donald Trump for violating a gag order, rejecting renewed arguments from Trump's attorneys that the restriction infringes on his constitutional rights.
Justice Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing Trump's civil fraud trial in Manhattan, reaffirmed the penalty one day after finding that the former president had violated an order prohibiting public attacks on members of the judge's staff.
The decision marks the second time in less than a week that Trump has been penalized for disregarding the court's restrictions.
And despite repeated objections from Trump's attorneys, Engoron is making clear that the former president's political prominence does not exempt him from courtroom rules.
Trump's Lawyers Demand Reconsideration
Thursday's confrontation began when Trump attorney Christopher Kise again asked Engoron to reconsider the $10,000 penalty imposed Wednesday.
Kise argued that Trump's comments to reporters had been misinterpreted and that the former president was exercising his First Amendment rights.
The controversy began when Trump complained to reporters that Engoron was a partisan judge and referred to another partisan individual sitting alongside him.
Engoron concluded that Trump was referring to his principal law clerk, Allison Greenfield, who sits beside the judge during proceedings.
Trump insisted that he was referring instead to Michael Cohen, his former personal attorney, who had been testifying against him.
After questioning Trump under oath Wednesday, Engoron rejected that explanation and imposed the fine.
On Thursday, Kise renewed the argument, maintaining that the judge's interpretation was incorrect.
He also challenged the constitutionality of the gag order itself, arguing that Trump, as a presidential candidate, has a right to comment on perceived bias in the proceedings.
Judge Says Court Staff Must Be Protected
Engoron rejected the suggestion that Trump's presidential campaign prevents the court from enforcing restrictions intended to protect its employees.
"Anybody can run for president. I am going to protect my staff," the judge declared.
The court's order does not prohibit Trump from criticizing Engoron himself or publicly defending himself against the fraud allegations.
Instead, it specifically restricts public comments about members of the judge's staff.
The order was issued October 3 after Trump published a social media attack on Greenfield that included her photograph and suggested she had political connections to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Trump removed the post from his Truth Social account, but it remained on his campaign website for more than two weeks.
That violation resulted in a $5,000 fine on October 20.
Wednesday's $10,000 penalty followed a separate incident involving Trump's remarks outside the courtroom.
Judge Rejects Trump's Explanation
Engoron reviewed the disputed comments and stood by his conclusion that Trump had been referring to Greenfield rather than Cohen.
In a written order issued Thursday, the judge explained why he considered Trump's denial unconvincing.
The ruling stated that Trump's wording and the circumstances of his remarks made the intended target sufficiently clear.
Engoron also rejected the idea that ambiguity in Trump's language excused the violation.
The judge concluded that Trump had intentionally disregarded the restriction and ordered the fine to be paid within 30 days.
The ruling underscores the court's position that restrictions on comments about staff members remain enforceable even when a defendant is a former president and an active political candidate.
Trump Continues Fighting Fraud Allegations
The dispute is unfolding during a civil fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The lawsuit accuses Trump, his adult sons, and their business organization of repeatedly exaggerating the value of real estate holdings and other assets to obtain favorable financial terms.
Engoron has already ruled that Trump and other defendants committed persistent fraud in their financial statements. The trial is continuing to address remaining claims and determine appropriate remedies.
James is seeking substantial financial penalties and restrictions on Trump's ability to conduct business in New York.
Trump denies wrongdoing and maintains that the case is politically motivated.
His attorneys have repeatedly challenged the proceedings, accusing the judge and attorney general of unfair treatment.
A Second Fine in Less Than a Week
The latest ruling highlights the growing conflict between Trump's public attacks on the legal proceedings and the court's responsibility to protect its personnel.
Trump has frequently criticized judges, prosecutors, and other individuals involved in the legal cases against him.
His lawyers maintain that he has broad constitutional protections to defend himself publicly, particularly while campaigning for president.
Engoron, however, has drawn a distinction between criticizing the case and targeting court employees.
The judge has already warned that additional violations could result in more serious sanctions.
For now, the financial consequences are mounting.
Trump has been fined $15,000 in less than a week for violating the same court order. His attorneys have challenged the penalties, but the judge has refused to retreat from his finding that the former president crossed the line.
The civil fraud trial continues, with further testimony expected as the court considers the remaining allegations against Trump and his business.