Trump’s request to speak during closing arguments in N.Y. civil fraud trial denied by judge
OAN’s Sophia Flores
12:03 PM – Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Judge Arthur Engoron has denied Donald Trump’s request to address the court during the closing arguments of his New York civil business fraud trial.
In a letter addressed to the legal defense on Wednesday, Judge Engoron informed Trump’s attorneys and the prosecution team led by New York Attorney General Letitia James that he had rejected the former president’s request to speak on Thursday. He stated that the decision was made due to Trump’s refusal to comply with the constraints imposed by him if he was given the opportunity to speak.
“Not having heard from you by the third extended deadline (noon today), I assume that Mr. Trump will not agree to the reasonable, lawful limits I have imposed as a precondition to giving a closing statement above and beyond those given by his attorneys, and that, therefore, he will not be speaking in court tomorrow,” he wrote.
Initially, Judge Engoron approved Trump’s request to speak. However, he stated that the former president was only allowed to comment “on the relevant, material facts that are in evidence, and application of the relevant law to those facts.”
Additionally, the judge asserted that the Republican 2024 front-runner was not allowed to introduce new information to the case. Trump may not, “comment on irrelevant matters,” or “deliver a campaign speech” during his closing remarks, according to Engoron.
From the start, the attorney general’s office was firmly against the idea of Trump speaking during the defense’s closing arguments.
“Allowing Mr. Trump to present closing argument will invite more speeches that will ‘unduly disrupt’ the proceedings,” said prosecution lawyer Andrew Amer.
When James first sued Trump in the fall of 2022, she asked the judge to penalize Trump $250 million for “inflating his net worth in order to retain better loans” from banks. Her number later rose to $370 million last week, as she now believes that through the trial, “he gained all of his money unlawfully.”
In addition to suing the 45th president, she is seeking to ban his family company from conducting any business from this point forward in The Empire State.
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Why did the New York Attorney General’s office oppose Trump’s request to speak during the defense’s closing arguments?
Title: Judge Denies Trump’s Request to Address Court in New York Civil Fraud Trial
Introduction:
In a recent development in the New York civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron has denied Trump’s request to address the court during the closing arguments. The decision comes as a result of Trump’s refusal to comply with the limitations imposed by the judge if given the opportunity to speak.
Background:
The New York civil business fraud trial, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses Trump of inflating his net worth to secure loans from banks. Initially, James sought to penalize Trump $250 million, but the amount has since increased to $370 million as she alleges that Trump illegally gained all of his wealth. Additionally, James is seeking a ban on Trump’s family company from conducting any business in New York moving forward.
Judge’s Rejection:
In a letter addressed to Trump’s attorneys and the prosecution team, Judge Engoron communicated his refusal to grant Trump permission to speak during the closing arguments. He highlighted that the decision was made due to Trump’s unwillingness to comply with the constraints imposed by the judge. Engoron stated that Trump’s failure to respond to the extended deadlines indicated his non-agreement with the reasonable and lawful limits set by the judge.
Initially, Judge Engoron had approved Trump’s request to speak. However, he emphasized that Trump could only comment on the relevant and material facts presented in evidence and the applicable law. The judge explicitly prohibited introducing new information, commenting on irrelevant matters, or delivering a campaign speech.
Prosecution’s Opposition:
From the beginning, the attorney general’s office has firmly opposed Trump’s request to speak during the defense’s closing arguments. Prosecution lawyer Andrew Amer argued that allowing Trump to present closing arguments would lead to further disruptions and speeches that would unduly disrupt the proceedings.
Conclusion:
With Judge Engoron’s denial of Trump’s request to address the court during the closing arguments, the trial will proceed without the former president’s direct input. As the trial continues, all eyes remain on the outcome and the potential consequences that await Trump if found guilty.
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