Former President Donald Trump took the opportunity to speak in court during the conclusion of his New York civil fraud trial on Thursday, despite being barred from giving a formal closing argument. Trump unleashed a barrage of attacks in a six-minute speech before being cut off by Judge Arthur Engoron. The judge had asked Trump if he would comply with the guidelines, but Trump defied him and launched into his remarks, claiming he was being persecuted and insisting on his innocence.
Trump’s in-court remarks added to the tension of the trial, which focused on allegations that he habitually exaggerated his wealth on financial statements. The exchange occurred shortly after authorities responded to a bomb threat at the judge’s house, though it did not delay the start of court proceedings.
Throughout the trial, Trump has criticized Judge Engoron, accusing him of working closely with the New York attorney general to undermine him. Engoron had previously denied Trump’s request to give his own closing statement in court.
Lawyers representing New York state argued in their closing remarks that Trump and his attorneys relied on false statements and irrelevant expert testimony. They claimed that Trump’s financial statements were false and that each defendant acted knowingly and intentionally to inflate the numbers.
Trump echoed his courtroom speech at a news conference later in the day, where he also made remarks about President Joe Biden and other adversaries. The trial involves six undecided claims, including allegations of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsifying business records. Trump’s company and his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., are also defendants in the case.
Judge Engoron is expected to make a decision by the end of the month. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $370 million in penalties and wants Trump and his co-defendants barred from doing business in New York.
