The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial said the former president’s motion for a mistrial is “utterly without merit,” denying his effort to be heard on the issue. Judge Arthur Engoron responded in a written order to Trump’s claim earlier this week that the judge and his principal law clerk are biased against him. In the filing Trump’s team cited the judge’s rulings, commentary and his law clerk’s political activities. Trump asked the judge to grant an order to show cause which would allow Trump and the New York attorney general’s office to make legal briefings and be heard on the issue. “I cannot sign a proposed order to show cause that is utterly without merit, and upon which subsequent briefing would therefore be futile,” the judge wrote.

Source: CNN November 18, 2023 12:00 UTC