Lawyers for Donald Trump have requested the New York judge overseeing the case in which the former president was ordered to pay nearly half a billion dollars to recuse himself. The lawyers allege that the judge engaged in 'prohibited communications' with a real estate lawyer regarding the case before issuing his decision.
Trump's legal team is seeking the judge's recusal or, alternatively, an evidentiary hearing to investigate the reported conversation between Judge Arthur Engoron and New York real estate lawyer Adam Bailey. The attorneys point to an interview Bailey gave to a source on the day the verdict was delivered, where Bailey mentioned speaking with the judge about the case weeks prior.
In response to these allegations, Trump's lawyers argue that the judge's impartiality may be reasonably questioned and that recusal is necessary to ensure fairness and adherence to legal standards. They also mention that the judge is currently overseeing a monitor appointed to supervise the Trump Organization's finances.
The court spokesman denied any improper communication between Judge Engoron and Mr. Bailey, stating that the judge's decision was made independently and without influence. The reported conversation took place before the judge's ruling in February, which ordered Trump to pay $454 million.
Representatives for the court and the New York attorney general's office were not immediately available for comment on the matter.
