In a recent development in the ongoing civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, a New York appeals court has reinstated a gag order preventing him from maligning court staffers. The order was initially issued by New York Judge Arthur Engoron in early October after Trump lashed out at one of his law clerks on social media. However, appeals court Judge David Friedman had temporarily lifted the gag order on November 16, citing potential infringement on Trump's First Amendment rights.

Despite the temporary lifting of the order, Engoron had already fined Trump $5,000 for violating the gag order on social media on October 20, with an additional $10,000 fine on October 25. Engoron had even threatened imprisonment if Trump committed further violations. In early November, Trump personally testified in the trial, repeatedly criticizing New York Attorney General Letitia James and her years-long investigation and lawsuit against him, claiming it was a “disgrace” and an attack on his business and family. Trump vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his assets were undervalued and that his financial statements had disclaimers requesting evaluation by the banks.

Engoron had ruled in September that both Trump and his company had committed fraud by overvaluing assets and exaggerating net worth on paperwork used in deals and financing. Trump argued that there were no victims since the banks were represented by prestigious law firms and had received all their money back without any defaults. Throughout this trial, Trump has repeatedly attacked Engoron and James, referring to them as politically biased “operatives” on social media.

The reinstated gag order bars Trump from making public comments about court staff in the trial, including the judge's chief law clerk, Allison Greenfield. The order does not prevent criticism of the judge himself. Engoron's lawyer informed the appellate court that both Engoron and Greenfield had been receiving daily threats, including antisemitic slurs, since Trump's social media post about her. Trump's legal team argued that while the threats were vile, they did not pose imminent harm, and that Trump's right to free speech was crucial, especially since he is the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

The trial is currently in its ninth week, with Trump's defense presenting their case. Both Eric Trump and Donald Trump are expected to be recalled as witnesses on December 8 and 11, respectively. The reinstated gag order has received criticism from Trump's legal team, calling it a "tragic day for the rule of law" and stating that it infringes on Trump's First Amendment rights. Closing arguments in the trial are expected to take place on January 11, following written filings related to the trial and witness testimony.