Donald Trump Fined for Violating
Donald Trump Fined $5,000 for Violating Gag Order in New York Fraud Case
New York : Former President Donald Trump was fined $5,000 by New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron for a social media post that disparaged one of his staffers and violated a court order. The post, which showed his clerk, Allison Greenfield, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and accused her of being his girlfriend, remained visible for weeks despite the court’s order to delete it.
Judge Engoron made it clear that future violations, whether intentional or unintentional, could result in more severe sanctions, including steeper financial penalties, holding Trump in contempt of court, or even imprisonment.
This incident highlights how judges can penalize Trump before verdicts are reached in the various civil and criminal cases pending against him. In a separate federal trial, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has also ordered Trump not to criticize prosecutors, court staff, or witnesses. Trump’s lawyers have requested the suspension of Chutkan’s order while they appeal her decision, arguing that such a gag order on a criminal defendant running for public office is unprecedented.
Judge Engoron characterized the retention of the post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, as a “blatant violation” of the limited gag order. He emphasized the potential harm caused by incendiary and false statements and gave Trump an opportunity to explain why he should not face further sanctions or possible imprisonment.
The post was ultimately removed, but not before it was sent out as an email to Trump’s supporters, reaching thousands of recipients and opening it by thousands. Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, explained that the post’s extended visibility was inadvertent and expressed apologies on behalf of his client.
