“The most famous judge in America, for a while,” on highs and lows of a Trump trial

The most famous judge in America, for a while," on highs and lows of a Trump trial

The most famous judge in America - On the morning of January 11, 2024, Justice Arthur Engoron was in the early stages of a routine walk with his dog when he spotted police sirens. The New York Supreme Court judge quickly recognized the scene unfolding around his home—a bomb threat had prompted a security response. As he recounted, a police officer approached him with urgency, asking if anyone else was inside the house. Engoron and his family had to evacuate in the cold, leaving behind the comfort of their home.

Hours later, the same judge stood in his courtroom, presiding over Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial. The case had become a spectacle, featuring frequent outbursts, numerous objections, and political theatrics. Trump, then a former president, defied judicial guidance by delivering his own closing argument, a bold move that underscored the trial’s contentious nature.

A trail of threats and public scrutiny

Engoron, now retired, shared his experiences in a CBS News interview, revealing a pattern of attacks. He faced a barrage of antisemitic and homophobic slurs, including a suspicious envelope containing white powder. Harassment continued even after the trial, with strangers at his gym calling him "a f—ing piece of s–t." Despite the relentless pressure, the judge maintained his composure, emphasizing that "judges would know the primary rule: We cannot fight back."

"I think that there will be some people that will be less inclined to become judges because the threat level has apparently increased," Engoron said. "Those are probably not the people that should be judges, though."

Engoron’s trial became a flashpoint in broader debates about judicial integrity. Trump’s team frequently criticized him, labeling the judge as "wack job," "lunatic," and "corrupt." Yet, Engoron remained steadfast, noting that "of course, it didn’t affect my rulings, my thoughts about the case."

The red line and judicial legacy

A pivotal moment came when Trump targeted Engoron’s staff. The judge imposed a gag order, which later influenced two of Trump’s criminal cases. This marked a departure from his previous career, where he had never restricted defendants from attacking their support teams. "I sometimes say that law clerks are the greatest invention in the history of the world," he remarked. "They’re just there to help … and we want to protect them because they can’t protect themselves as much as we can."

"The Trump case elevated Engoron to a stature he hadn’t experienced before or since," he added. "He enjoyed the recognition, even if it came with its share of challenges."

During the trial, Engoron faced criticism from Trump allies who accused him of favoring the media. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik highlighted this in a letter to the state’s Judicial Conduct Commission, suggesting he "infamously smiled and posed for the cameras." The judge, however, saw these moments as part of his role, humorously instructing reporters on how to pronounce his name and noting his habit of "bounding" up the steps to the bench.

From gavel to counsel

Now serving as senior counsel at Phillips Nizer LLP in Manhattan, Engoron reflects on the transition from judge to legal advisor. He expressed nostalgia for the courtroom, calling it "the greatest job in the world" for its societal impact and the prestige it brings. "When people used to say, 'Your honor,' I would look around, like, who are they talking to?" he recalled. "And then I’d realize it’s me."

Engoron’s trial remains a defining chapter, one that intertwined his personal life with the nation’s political landscape. As he shared, "Just last night, somebody said, 'You were the most famous judge in America, for a while.'" The recognition, though fleeting, symbolized a moment where the judiciary’s role in high-profile cases took center stage.