Arthur Engoron, the judge who presided over former President Donald Trump’s significant civil fraud trial, is under scrutiny for allegedly discussing the case with a lawyer before issuing his ruling. The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct is investigating the incident following a report by NBC New York.
Real estate lawyer Adam Leitman Bailey admitted in a February 16 interview that he spoke with Judge Engoron weeks before the ruling. Bailey claimed he approached the judge to discuss the broader economic implications of a harsh judgment against Trump, arguing that the fraud statute was misapplied.
Bailey’s disclosure has raised concerns because such ex parte communications, where a judge speaks to one party without the other parties’ presence or notification, are generally prohibited under New York’s judicial conduct rules. Engoron’s spokesperson denied any improper communication, asserting the judge’s decision was independent and unaffected by outside influence.
Despite the denial, the allegations have led to an investigation. Meanwhile, Trump continues to challenge Engoron’s ruling, with his lawyer Chris Kise highlighting significant legal and constitutional issues surrounding the fraud claims.
