Trump Speaks in Court Despite Judge’s Refusal, Calls Trial “a Fraud on Me”
Former President Donald Trump defied a judge’s denial of giving a formal closing argument in his New York civil trial by briefly speaking in court, calling the proceedings “a fraud on me.” Trump asserted his innocence, claiming to be persecuted by someone running for office and suggesting political interference in the trial. Judge Arthur Engoron cut him off after about six minutes, recessing for lunch. The exchange occurred amid heightened tensions, with authorities responding to a bomb threat at the judge’s house, leading to a swift police investigation.
Trump’s attempt to deliver his closing statement in court was initially denied by Judge Engoron, who had already nixed an unusual plan for Trump to make his own closing remarks. The former president, a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, had expressed frustration, accusing the judge of collaborating with the New York attorney general to harm him. Trump’s lawyer argued that the trial lacked evidence of fraud and suggested that Trump should be praised for his business acumen rather than facing what was referred to as the “corporate death penalty.”
The trial focuses on allegations that Trump inflated his wealth on financial statements provided to various entities. New York Attorney General Letitia James seeks a penalty of USD 370 million, while Trump contends he did nothing wrong, pointing to disclaimers on the documents and blaming external accountants for any discrepancies. The incident unfolded amid a series of false reports and threats, including a bomb threat at Judge Engoron’s house and a fake emergency call targeting the judge in Trump’s Washington, D.C. criminal case.
As Trump returned to court as a spectator, his presence underscored the intensity of legal and political challenges he faces, including multiple ongoing investigations and criminal cases. The trial is part of a broader legal and political landscape as Trump navigates through various legal battles and positions himself in the upcoming presidential primary season. The judge aims to deliver a decision by the end of the month, and tensions surrounding the trial continue to escalate.
