Manhattan, NY – Donald Trump’s attorneys filed a motion for a mistrial in the fraud case brought by NY Attorney General Leticia James, arguing Judge Arthur Engoron’s bias against him deprived him of a fair trial. You can read the motion HERE:

Motion for a Mistrial – People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, et. al, Index # 452564-2022

Attached to the motion were transcripts of the trial proceedings, which you can read HERE:

Trial Transcripts – People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, et. al, Index # 452564-2022

On November 15, 2023, lawyers for former President Trump submitted a motion asserting that there is substantial and undeniable evidence of both apparent and actual bias in the ongoing proceedings. The motion specifically references Judge Arthur Engoron and his law clerk, who has been the target of numerous complaints from Trump’s legal team and the former president himself, resulting in a gag order issued by the judge.

Judge Engoron had initially advised against filing the motion but later allowed it to be submitted in writing, signaling his intention to deny it. Trump’s attorneys argue that the judge has consistently ruled against Trump, exhibited biased comments during the trial, and exceeded his discretion in collaborating with his clerk. They allege that the clerk has made donations to organizations supporting New York Attorney General Letitia James and others opposing Trump, surpassing contribution limits.

The motion from Trump’s legal team contends, “In this case, the evidence of apparent and actual bias is tangible and overwhelming. Such evidence, coupled with an unprecedented departure from standard judicial procedure, has tainted these proceedings, and a mistrial is warranted.”

Judge Engoron defended his communications with his law clerk, asserting his “unfettered right” to discuss legal matters with her. He highlighted that there are different limits to political donations during campaigning, which the clerk was involved in at one point. The gag order imposed by Engoron prohibits Trump and his attorneys from making statements about court staff, specifically those concerning communications with the law clerk. Trump has faced fines for violating this gag order on two occasions.

This motion was filed during the seventh week of the trial as Trump’s defense team began presenting its case.

The case is pending in the New York County Supreme Court. The case is People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, et. al, Index # 452564/2022.