According to Mediaite, in the New York civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron permitted Trump to address the court after closing arguments. Trump’s attorneys had requested this opportunity, but the judge imposed restrictions, including focusing on material facts, refraining from attacking the judge or staff, and avoiding campaign speech.
During his approximately five-minute address, Trump reiterated public criticisms of the case, describing it as a “political witch hunt.” He asserted that the financial statements were flawless, no witnesses were against him, and the banks had been repaid. Trump claimed he should receive damages and went beyond discussing the case, alleging that the trial was part of an effort to prevent him from running for office.
Trump’s remarks extended to a direct attack on the judge, accusing him of having his own agenda. The judge cut him off after reminding Trump of the time limit and urged his attorney to “please control your client.”
The trial involves accusations that Trump inflated property values for his real estate empire in New York. The New York Attorney General seeks a $370 million fine and a lifetime ban on Trump’s business from operating in the state’s real estate industry. The courtroom address marked a moment where Trump, despite restrictions, used the platform to assert his perspective on the trial and its purported political implications.
