"Trump's Mistrial Motion Denied in NY Civil Fraud Case, Judge Lifts Gag Order"

A New York state judge, Arthur Engoron, has rejected former President Donald Trump's bid for a mistrial in his $250 million civil fraud case, calling the arguments "utterly without merit." Trump's attorneys had accused the judge and his law clerk of bias, claiming that the clerk acted as a "co-judge" and made improper political donations. Engoron dismissed these allegations, stating that he has the right to consult with his clerk and that his rulings are his own. The judge also denied Trump's lawyers' appeal against a gag order, which temporarily barred them from criticizing the clerk. The case will continue as scheduled.