AP reports that on Wednesday a judge rescinded permission for former President Donald J. Trump to make his own closing argument in his New York civil business fraud trial after his lawyers objected to Judge Arthur Engoron's assertion that Trump stick to matters that are relevant to the trial.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: Former President Donald Trump as he leaves the courtroom during his civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court on October 18, 2023 in New York City. Trump may be forced to sell off his properties after Justice Arthur Engoron canceled his business certificates after ruling that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire after being sued by Attorney General Letitia James, who is seeking $250 million in damages. The trial will determine how much he and his companies will be penalized for the fraud.
Should he lose, Trump stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars due to penalties and it will also strip him of his ability to do business in New York state. Trump giving his own closing arguments would be extraordinary by any measure.
Last week, his lawyers stated that the former president would be giving a personal summation in addition to closing arguments from his legal team. The case was brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claims Trump's net worth was inflated by billions of dollars on financial statements.
This alleged tactic helped him secure business loans and insurance he otherwise may not have gotten. For his part, Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and claimed the trial was a political attack on him.
What Happens Next?
The judge granted Trump this unusual overture but warned he must stick to: "commentary on the relevant, material facts that are in evidence, and application of the relevant law to those facts."
He further stated that the defendant would not be allowed to introduce new evidence, comment on matters that don't pertain to the trial, or "deliver a campaign speech." Trump attorney Christopher Kise said the limitations were "fraught with ambiguities, creating the substantial likelihood for misinterpretation or an unintended violation.
"You are not allowing President Trump, who has been wrongfully demeaned and belittled by an out of control, politically motivated attorney general, to speak about the things that must be spoken about," the attorney wrote.
Judge Engoron gave the defense a deadline of noon Wednesday to reply and rescind his offer when they failed to respond by that deadline. Trump spared with the judge and state lawyers in November when he testified in his own defense.
HNGN will update this story as additional details continue to come to light.
