In a significant development, Judge Arthur Engoron overseeing Donald Trump's $250m fraud trial in New York has extended the gag order to Trump's legal team. As reported by The Guardian, the judge took this action to prevent discussion of "confidential communications" between Trump and his staff. This move comes after Engoron fined Trump $15,000 for attacking his clerk on social media and issued a strong warning that continued attacks could result in jail time for the former president.

The decision to extend the gag order was prompted by the relentless threats and harassment received by Judge Engoron and his staff since the trial commenced. Engoron expressed concern for the safety of his team, stating, "The need to protect them from threats and physical harm far outweighs the First Amendment right of defendants and their attorneys to comment on my staff."

The tension between Trump's legal team and Engoron escalated on Thursday and Friday when they clashed over the judge's communication with his law clerk, who Trump previously criticized on his Truth Social media platform. This led to the initial $15,000 fine for Trump. In response, Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, urged Engoron to lift the gag order, threatening to call for a mistrial. Kise alleged that Engoron's chief clerk had engaged in political activity with Democratic officials and highlighted the global attention the trial has garnered.

Engoron, however, questioned the accuracy of these allegations, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. "It's a shame we've descended to this level," he remarked. In a written statement, he dismissed the defendants' First Amendment arguments, deeming them "wholly unpersuasive." Engoron underlined the narrow intent of the gag order, stating that its purpose was to protect his staff's safety and ensure an orderly progression of the trial.

As the trial continues, the extension of the gag order poses new challenges for Trump's legal team. With restrictions on discussing "confidential communications," they will face limitations in their public statements about the case. Meanwhile, the threats and attacks on Judge Engoron and his staff highlight the intense atmosphere surrounding this high-profile trial.

The outcome of Trump's fraud trial remains uncertain, but it is clear that the judge is determined to maintain decorum and ensure the safety of everyone involved, as the eyes of the world remain fixated on this legal battle.