Forbes reports that a New York City judge has ruled against former President Donald Trump, preventing him from delivering his own closing arguments in a civil business fraud trial. The decision comes after Trump’s legal team sought permission for him to address the court, a request that Judge Arthur Engoron initially granted with conditions.
Behind Closed Doors
An exchange of emails obtained by Courthouse News sheds light on the behind-the-scenes drama. Shortly before the scheduled closing arguments, Judge Engoron communicated with Trump’s attorney, Chris Kise, outlining the conditions for Trump’s speech.
However, tensions escalated as Kise accused the judge of unfairness, claiming Trump was being “wrongfully demeaned and belittled” by a politically motivated Attorney General.
Frustration reached a boiling point when Engoron responded, refusing to prolong the debate. In a bold move, he gave Trump’s attorneys a seven-minute ultimatum, stating, “Take it or leave it. Now or never.” The terse exchange highlights the intensity surrounding Trump’s involvement in the trial.
Key Background: The Fraud Trial
The trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in fraudulent activities, inflating assets to manipulate net worth and secure favorable business deals.
Despite Trump’s previous testimony downplaying his role, the judge has already ruled that Trump and his co-defendants are liable for fraud. However, crucial decisions on other charges, including falsification of business records and insurance fraud, are still pending.
People in the comments believe this is absurd: “And Ray Epps gets probation for leading a charge on evil 6th and doesn’t even have to show up to be sentenced.”
Another commenter added: “The Supreme Court will have the last word. Now can you see that there is something very wrong in this country?”
Others gave detailed insight but with unreliable sources: “I’m not a lawyer but I’ve seen enough court shows on TV to know there are rules in a courtroom. There are rules about what evidence is and isn’t admissible, there are rules that govern how attorneys can question a witness, there are rules that say how the other side’s attorneys can cross examine, and there are rules about what you can and cannot do during closing arguments. The judge said Trump could take part in the closing arguments if his attorneys promised he’d follow the rules for closing arguments. Trump’s attorneys said they couldn’t promise that, and the judge said ‘ok then.’”
One person concluded: “Cant believe no one has shut this circus down yet”
Closing Arguments in Limbo: What’s Next?
The trial takes another unexpected turn with Trump’s bid to deliver closing arguments denied. What impact will this decision have on the final verdict?
Will the judge’s ultimatum play a role in shaping the outcome? As the trial approaches its conclusion, the legal battle continues to be marked by twists and turns.
We have no doubt that the media will closely monitor the developments in this high-stakes trial, where the fate of Trump, his associates, and the Trump Organization hangs in the balance.
What do you think about this case? How does the judge’s decision to silence Trump impact the overall perception of fairness in this high-profile trial?
Will the absence of Trump’s closing remarks affect the jury’s final deliberations, and what does it mean for the outcome of the case? How might this last-minute legal showdown shape public opinion about the justice system’s credibility?
