Former President Donald Trump has made a bold request to speak at the closing arguments of his $250 million civil fraud trial. Sources with direct knowledge of the situation have revealed that Trump’s attorneys have sought permission from Judge Arthur Engoron, who has “conceptually approved” the request.
The trial, which has captivated the nation for over two months, centers around allegations that Trump and his company fraudulently inflated their assets to secure favorable bank loans. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office filed the lawsuit last year, prompting a contentious legal battle that has seen Trump clash with Judge Engoron on multiple occasions.
Despite his initial decision not to testify, Trump eventually took the stand after being called as a witness by James’ office. Throughout his testimony, Trump vehemently denied any wrongdoing, but his responses were often criticized by Engoron for being evasive and tangential.
Now, with the trial nearing its conclusion, Trump has made a surprising request to address the court during the closing arguments. While the exact length of his speech remains unclear, the former president’s intention to speak has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the potential impact on the outcome of the trial.
Legal experts, such as veteran New York lawyer Ron Kuby, have weighed in on the matter. Kuby believes that Judge Engoron has the discretion to grant or deny Trump’s request and that the absence of a jury could work in the former president’s favor. Trump has frequently criticized the judge, both at campaign rallies and on social media, referring to him as “very hostile.”
As the deadline for Trump’s attorneys to reply to the court approaches, all eyes are on the Manhattan courtroom where the trial has unfolded. The anticipation surrounding Trump’s potential closing argument has added an extra layer of drama to an already high-stakes legal battle.
Judge Engoron has indicated that he plans to issue a written verdict in the coming weeks, leaving the outcome of the trial hanging in the balance. The nation waits with bated breath to see how this extraordinary request from the former president will be received and what impact it may have on the final judgment.
1 Response
It is understandable that former President Donald Trump would want to have a say in the closing arguments of his civil fraud trial. However, it is important to consider the potential implications and biases that could arise from allowing him to speak.
One unique solution could be to offer a compromise that ensures fairness and transparency in the trial proceedings. The court could allow Trump to submit a written statement or affidavit to be read out during the closing arguments. This would give him the opportunity to present his perspective without directly influencing the jury