A New York state appeals court has rejected Donald Trump's appeal to lift a gag order imposed on him during his civil fraud trial. The order, issued by Justice Arthur Engoron, was implemented after Trump posted a misleading photo on social media and falsely claimed a connection between a court staff member and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The post resulted in numerous threats from Trump supporters, prompting the judge to issue the gag order.
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Despite Trump's appeal, the mid-level state appeals court, known as the Appellate Division, upheld the gag order, emphasizing that its impact was limited and focused solely on statements regarding the court's staff. The court stated that the potential harm was small, considering the narrow scope of the order.
Trump's legal team, so far, has not provided comments on the appeals court's decision. The former president is currently facing a civil fraud trial initiated by the New York attorney general, seeking a penalty of at least $250 million and significant business restrictions for fraudulent financial statements.
The trial concluded with testimony on Wednesday, and a verdict from Justice Engoron is expected after closing arguments on January 11, 2024. Trump, maintaining his innocence, has labeled the case a "scam" while facing several other legal challenges. Despite the ongoing legal battles, Trump remains a prominent candidate in polls for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
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