As the Trump family mourns the death of Melania Trump’s mother Amalija Knav, former President Donald Trump asked for a delay in closing arguments due to his Mother In Law’s death so he can be with Melania.
However, the judge presiding over the civil trial stemming from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit against Trump and his business empire, has rescinded the court’s offer for the 2024 GOP frontrunner to deliver a closing argument in the case.
Judge Arthur Engoron on Wednesday rescinded permission for Trump to make a closing argument during proceedings on Thursday.
It has been noted that Engoron had initially approved the request for Trump to make his own closing statement, but said the former president would be required to limit his remarks to “commentary on the relevant, material facts that are in evidence, and application of the relevant law to those facts.”
Engoron said Trump would be prohibited from introducing new evidence or commenting on “irrelevant matters” and said he could not “deliver a campaign speech” or speak ill of court staff or the attorney general.
However, Trump attorney Chris Kise, in an email to Engoron, said Trump has “been wrongfully demeaned and belittled by an out of control, politically motivated Attorney General” and he should be allowed to “speak about the things that must be spoken about.”
Kise also requested to postpone closing arguments, citing the death of Trump’s mother-in-law, Amalija Knavs, whom Kise said Trump “was very close to.”
