A New York judge has declined to step aside from the case involving former President Donald Trump, where he was ordered to pay a nearly $500 million civil fraud judgment. The judge, Arthur Engoron, dismissed concerns raised by Trump's attorneys regarding a brief conversation he had with another lawyer, describing it as a 'nothingburger.'
In response to the recusal request, Judge Engoron vehemently denied the attorney's claims that they had discussed the state law relevant to the case before the verdict was issued. He stated that the encounter was unsolicited and lasted about 90 seconds, emphasizing that he did not engage in or benefit from the conversation.
The attorney, Adam Leitman Bailey, had alleged in an interview that he shared his interpretation of the law with Judge Engoron prior to the verdict. Trump's attorney raised concerns about potential violations of judicial communication rules and the integrity of the proceedings.
Judge Engoron clarified that he had not been contacted by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct regarding the matter and was unaware of any investigation. He noted that as a public figure, he often faced unsolicited interactions with individuals, which did not influence his rulings.
The judge's ruling in February found Trump and his company guilty of inflating his wealth to deceive financial institutions and others. Trump was ordered to pay $355 million in penalties, with the total amount now exceeding $471 million due to accrued interest. Trump posted a $175 million bond in April to halt collection of the judgment while he appeals the decision.
