'For the safety of my staff': New York judge leaves gag order on Trump's attorneys

New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron ruled on Monday that he would not lift a limited gag order placed on Donald Trump's attorneys.

After Trump personally testified in his $250 million fraud trial, his attorneys offered a motion to retract a gag order preventing them from referring to court staff. Trump's attorneys have claimed that a biased court clerk was influencing the judge.

"I think it's important for the safety of my staff," Engoron said.

Attorney Chris Kise argued that he could not file a motion opposing the gag order without violating it.

"Yes, I'm directing you not to make that motion," the judge told Kise. "I'm going to protect my staff, okay."

Trump attorney Alina Habba asked the judge if a motion for a mistrial could reference the gag order. Engoron said she would be allowed to file the motion.

Earlier in the day, Trump had clashed with the judge, who reminded the former president that he was not at a political rally.

"Control your client," Engoron told Kise at one point. The judge admonished Trump and threatened to draw a negative inference from his testimony.

Habba stepped in to defend Trump but was scolded by the judge.

"Sit down!" he shouted.