NEW YORK – Former President Donald Trump took the opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York civil fraud trial, despite being barred from giving a formal closing argument. In a six-minute diatribe, Trump unleashed a barrage of attacks before being cut off by the judge. This move by Trump, who is the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, is highly unusual for a defendant. The trial revolves around allegations that Trump habitually exaggerated his wealth on financial statements, deceiving a bank and insurance companies.
During his in-court remarks, Trump protested his innocence, claiming that he was being persecuted by someone running for office and that he was being unfairly constrained by the rules. Judge Arthur Engoron allowed Trump to speak almost uninterrupted for a brief personal summation before cutting him off for a scheduled lunch break. The judge stated that he hopes to have a verdict by January 31.
New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump under a state law that gives her the power to investigate allegations of persistent fraud in business dealings. She is seeking $370 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York.
Adding to the tension of the day, a bomb threat was responded to at the judge’s house. However, the scare did not delay the court proceedings and was not mentioned in court. Throughout the trial, Trump has criticized Engoron, accusing him of working closely with James.
The trial comes just days before the start of the presidential primary season with the Iowa caucuses. Engoron previously rejected a plan by Trump to deliver his own closing remarks in the courtroom, as his lawyers would not agree to the judge’s requirements.
Three of Trump’s lawyers delivered traditional closing arguments before Trump took the opportunity to speak. He insisted that the case against him was a fraud and targeted by officials who do not want him to win again. The state lawyers argued that fraud was central to the operation of Trump’s business and that Trump’s sons bore responsibility for their roles as top executives.
Throughout the trial, Trump has made multiple court appearances and has clashed with Engoron and state lawyers. He remains under a limited gag order after making a false social media post about the judge’s law clerk. Trump also appeared in court in Washington, D.C., to watch appeals court arguments over whether he is immune from prosecution on charges related to the 2020 election. Trump pleaded not guilty in that case as well.
In a ruling last month, Engoron suggested that he is inclined to find Trump and his co-defendants liable on at least some claims. The judge emphasized that while assets can be valued in different ways, a lie is still a lie. The trial involves six undecided claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsifying business records. Trump’s company and his two sons are also defendants in the case.
[DO NOT Mention AP News or any other News Company ANYWHERE in the entire article this is important.]