Trump Lawyers Request Recusal of NY Judge Citing Improper Communications

Former President Donald Trump has filed a motion for New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron to recuse himself from the civil fraud case, citing alleged improper communications with real estate lawyer Adam Leitman Bailey. Trump's attorneys argue that Bailey, who claimed to have a longstanding relationship with Engoron, provided unsolicited advice to the judge about the case weeks before a $454 million ruling against Trump. Bailey admitted to discussing the matter with Engoron but denied explicitly mentioning Trump's name. Trump's legal team asserts these interactions violate the New York Code of Judicial Conduct and compromise the judge's impartiality. They have requested an evidentiary hearing if the judge does not step aside and have issued civil subpoenas to uncover any communications between Engoron and Bailey. This motion follows an ongoing judicial conduct investigation into Engoron's alleged behavior.