Former President Donald Trump addressed the courtroom after his New York civil fraud trial, defying the judge’s ban on closing arguments. In a six-minute tirade, Trump denied inflating his wealth on financial papers and accused the court of bias. Trump continued to speak despite being told to stick to germane topics, causing the court to stop him.
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Trump Accuses Judge and Asserts Innocence in Brief Courtroom Speech Amid Fraud Trial
Judge Arthur Engoron let Trump briefly speak before lunch after denying him a closing address. Trump claimed victimization and accused the judge of working with the New York attorney general to damage him. Trump’s lawyers had previously refused the judge’s request to keep the remarks “relevant.”
In the afternoon, Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise again requested that Trump speak after closing statements. Engoron asked Trump about following guidelines, including avoiding introducing fresh evidence and campaign speeches. Trump ignored the rules and claimed fraud against him.
Trump called the case a farce and accused the court of not listening in his quick summary. The court told Trump’s counsel to restrain his client and gave him a minute before adjourning. Trump has spat with the judge and criticized the legal system during the financial deception trial. The judge wants to rule by January 31, highlighting the importance of following key things during the trial.
Prosecution Concludes Trump’s Company Relied on Deceptive Financial Statements; Bomb Threat Adds Tension to Trial
Despite Trump’s distractions, the prosecution’s closing arguments claimed that Trump’s company couldn’t have finished construction projects without fabricated financial statements. New York Attorney General Letitia James seeks $370 million in penalties, while Trump denies wrongdoing and blames independent accountants.
After the judge denied Trump’s request for a closing speech, a bomb threat was reported at his house. Incidents increase tensions throughout the 44-day trial.
Trump holds news conferences and expresses his dissatisfaction with the trial.
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