In a significant development in the $250 million civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron has imposed a partial gag order on Trump's legal team, according to NBC News. The order comes after Engoron expressed his disapproval of "inappropriate remarks" made by the lawyers about his principal law clerk.

The three lawyers, Christopher Kise, Clifford Robert, and Alina Habba, are now prohibited from making any public statements, both in and out of court, that refer to any confidential communications between the judge and his staff. Engoron warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in serious sanctions.

The judge specifically addressed remarks made by the attorneys accusing his clerk of bias and improperly influencing the ongoing bench trial. Engoron firmly stated that these arguments had no basis and defended his right to consult with his staff. He mentioned that he will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the trial.

In addition to the gag order, Engoron highlighted the harassment and threats his chambers have faced since the start of the trial. They have received numerous phone calls, voicemails, emails, letters, and packages, causing a significant disruption.

The trial continued on Friday morning, with Engoron engaging in a contentious debate with Trump's lawyers over the role of his law clerk. The lawyers argued that the judge's close relationship with his clerk suggested bias. Engoron, however, cited another judge who had a similar relationship and emphasized that it was not unprecedented.

Christopher Kise expressed his concerns about receiving advice that indicated bias and claimed that the judge's rulings were consistently against them. This remark led to a heated exchange with Engoron, who accused Kise of displaying a sense of misogyny in his references to the female law clerk.

It is worth noting that this latest gag order expands on the one previously issued against Trump himself. The former president has faced fines for violating the order after making disparaging remarks about the law clerk on social media and to reporters.

Judge Engoron firmly stated that personal attacks on members of his court staff would not be tolerated or deemed acceptable. As the trial progresses, the gag order will aim to ensure a fair and impartial legal process.

As the case unfolds, all eyes will remain on the courtroom as the lawsuit seeks to determine the outcome of the civil fraud allegations against Donald Trump and his adult sons.