New York state appeals court has decided to reinstate the gag orders in the civil fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump. The orders, issued by Justice Arthur Engoron, prohibit Trump and his legal team from commenting on the judge's staff. The court's decision comes after a temporary pause on the gag orders earlier this month, which was put into effect by one of the court's judges.

The two-page order from the appeals court did not offer an explanation for reinstating the gag orders. These orders have been a significant focus throughout the two-month trial, often overshadowing the testimonies. The initial gag order was issued after Trump posted a disparaging message on social media about the judge's law clerk, Allison Greenfield, who sits alongside Justice Engoron on the bench. Trump violated the gag order twice, resulting in fines totaling $15,000.

Trump's lawyers had raised concerns about Greenfield's behavior, accusing her of passing notes to Engoron during the proceedings and displaying "eye rolls and constant whispering." In response, Engoron issued a second gag order, prohibiting all trial lawyers from making any public statements referring to confidential communications between him and his staff.

On November 16, shortly after an associate justice temporarily paused the gag orders, Trump used the opportunity to criticize Greenfield and Engoron on social media. However, on Thursday, following the reinstatement of the gag orders by the appeals court, Trump shifted his focus to attacking Engoron's family. Through his newly launched social media site, Truth Social, Trump shared posts from far-right activist Laura Loomer, targeting Engoron's wife and son.

Engoron's wife, Dawn Engoron, denied the allegations in an email to POLITICO, stating that she does not have a Twitter account and has never posted any anti-Trump messages. Engoron has previously expressed concern over the harassment and threats his chambers have received, cautioning about the potential for violence resulting from political rhetoric. However, he has refrained from expanding the gag orders to cover comments about individuals other than his staff.

In response to the appeals court's decision, Trump's lawyer, Chris Kise, called it a "tragic day for the rule of law." Kise argued that Trump should be allowed to comment on why he believes he cannot receive a fair trial, emphasizing the importance of the First Amendment.

It is worth noting that Trump is also challenging a gag order imposed by a federal judge in his Washington, D.C. criminal case related to election interference. The fate of that gag order is currently pending review by a federal appeals court.