Former President Donald Trump has been denied the opportunity to personally make a closing argument at his civil fraud trial in New York. Judge Arthur Engoron issued an order stating that Trump would not be allowed to speak because he did not agree to the limitations imposed on him. Additionally, Trump’s bid to delay the closing arguments due to the death of his mother-in-law was also denied by the judge. The decision came after a series of contentious emails between Trump’s lawyer, Chris Kise, and the judge, regarding Trump’s plan to give some of the defense’s closing arguments.
Judge Engoron had set limitations on what Trump would be allowed to say during the closing arguments. Trump would only be permitted to speak about “material facts that are in evidence, and application of the relevant law to those facts.” He would not be allowed to give a campaign speech or attack the judge, his staff, or Attorney General Letitia James, whose lawsuit is the basis of the trial. Kise resisted these conditions in several emails, leading to the judge’s decision to prohibit Trump from speaking.
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, expressed little surprise in response to the judge’s order. The defense team had initially informed the court of Trump’s intention to present arguments during the closing statements. However, James’ office opposed this idea, arguing that Trump was already represented by attorneys who could speak on his behalf. The attorney general’s office pointed out Trump’s history of giving irrelevant speeches and violating court orders. They warned that allowing Trump to speak would disrupt the proceedings. Despite this opposition, Judge Engoron initially indicated that he was inclined to allow everyone involved to present their arguments.
Judge Engoron eventually decided to allow Trump to speak, provided that his lawyers agreed to the limitations on his speech. However, Trump’s lawyer, Kise, responded that Trump could not agree to the proposed conditions and restraints, citing ambiguities that could lead to misinterpretation. The judge firmly stated that the conditions were not up for debate and gave Kise a deadline to respond. When Kise failed to meet the deadline, the judge emailed him, informing him that Trump would not be allowed to speak. Kise then requested a postponement of the closing arguments, citing the death of Trump’s mother-in-law. However, the judge denied this request as well.
The denial of Trump’s request to speak in the closing arguments has significant ramifications for the trial. Trump, along with his adult sons and the Trump Organization, is facing allegations of misstating the values of real estate assets to inflate his net worth and obtain fraudulent financial benefits. The attorney general, Letitia James, has requested a $370 million fine and a lifetime ban from the New York real estate industry for Trump. James also seeks to prohibit Trump from serving as an officer or director of a New York corporation. The closing arguments are scheduled to take place on Thursday, and it remains to be seen how Trump’s absence from this crucial stage of the trial will impact the outcome.
Former President Donald Trump has been barred from personally making a closing argument in his civil fraud trial. The judge’s decision was based on Trump’s refusal to agree to limitations on his speech, as well as a rejected request to postpone the closing arguments. This development carries significant implications for the trial’s outcome and raises questions about Trump’s defense strategy.