Stefanik argues that Engoron has shown a “clear judicial bias” against Trump and has violated several rules in the state’s judicial conduct code. She asserts that the judge’s behavior is unacceptable and undermines the defendant’s rights to due process and a fair trial, particularly considering Trump’s status as the front-runner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary.

The complaint echoes arguments made by Trump’s legal team throughout the case, including the claim that there were no victims of Trump’s business dealings and that Engoron unfairly prejudged the case. Prior to the trial, Engoron ruled that Trump, the Trump Organization, and several executives were liable for fraud. This decision jeopardized Trump’s business licenses and iconic properties, although a New York appeals court has temporarily halted the cancellation of the licenses until it hears Trump’s case.

Throughout the ongoing seven-week trial, Engoron has emerged as an unexpected adversary of Trump. Trump himself expressed his belief that the judge would rule against him, citing a history of unfavorable decisions. Engoron repeatedly objected to Trump’s lengthy and digressive responses to questions, urging his attorney to keep him on track and reminding Trump that the trial was not a political rally.

The relationship between Trump and Engoron further deteriorated after the judge issued a limited gag order preventing parties involved in the trial from discussing his principal law clerk. Trump and his team have accused the clerk of bias and referred to her as “Trump-hating.” Stefanik’s complaint addresses the clerk in detail, highlighting her alleged political donations to Democratic causes and criticizing the gag order as an infringement on the defendant’s constitutional rights.

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, to which Stefanik addressed her letter of complaint, has not provided any response or comment on the matter. The New York attorney general’s office, which is seeking $250 million in financial penalties and a ban on Trump and his executives doing business in the state, has rested its case, and Trump’s legal team is expected to present their defense starting on Monday.

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Article generated from corporate media reports.