Rep. Elise Stefanik, the Chair of the House Republican Conference, has filed an ethics complaint urging for the removal of the judge presiding over the $250 million business fraud trial of former President Donald Trump. Stefanik, a loyal ally of Trump, accused Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron of displaying “clear judicial bias” against the former president and engaging in “bizarre behavior” during the high-profile civil trial.
Stefanik, who represents northeast New York in Congress, called on the state’s Commission on Judicial Conduct to take action to restore a fair process and protect constitutional rights. She also stated that Engoron “must recuse from this case,” even though the commission does not have the power to remove specific judges.
This move by Trump’s political allies in Washington is seen as an attempt to support the ex-president’s efforts to undermine Engoron, whose rulings in the case could have a major impact on Trump and his business empire. The complaint from Stefanik, who is not a lawyer and has no ties to the case, may also be intended to help Trump in potential appeals related to Engoron’s rulings.
The trial, which involves claims brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accusing Trump and his company of fraudulent business practices, has attracted considerable attention. Engoron will decide the verdicts in the no-jury trial, following a week of testimony from members of the Trump family.
The judge has already found the defendants liable for fraud, and the trial will determine the amount of damages or penalties. James is seeking approximately $250 million in damages and also wants to bar Trump Sr., Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump from conducting business in New York.
Stefanik’s letter echoed many of Trump’s criticisms of Engoron and James’ case, and she called for the commission to sanction the judge. She criticized Engoron’s actions in court, including imposing a gag order on Trump and his attorneys, and reiterated Trump’s claims about the value of his Florida property, Mar-a-Lago.
Additionally, Stefanik targeted the judge’s principal law clerk, alleging improper political donations, and referred to the court’s gag order as “un-American.” When asked for comment on Stefanik’s letter, the Commission Administrator stated that all matters before the Commission are confidential unless a judge is found to have committed ethical misconduct.
Stefanik’s complaint is part of a broader effort by Trump’s allies to challenge the legal proceedings against the former president, with potential implications for the outcome of the trial.
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