Former President Donald Trump will not deliver his own closing argument in his civil fraud trial. This decision follows after Justice Arthur Engoron, the presiding judge, imposed specific conditions for Trump’s speech in court. The judge required that Trump’s remarks be limited to discussing the evidence and the law’s application to that evidence. He was not permitted to introduce new evidence, testify, comment on irrelevant matters, or engage in campaign speech. The judge also prohibited Trump from disparaging the judge, court staff, the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s staff, or the New York State Court System.
Justice Engoron warned of immediate sanctions for rule violations, including fines and possible removal from the courtroom. Trump’s attorney, Chris Kise, expressed that Trump could not agree to these preconditions, describing them as ambiguous and a form of prior restraint.
The trial, which started in October, is based on accusations by New York Attorney General Tish James against Trump and others for allegedly exaggerating Trump’s real estate values to gain favorable bank and insurance deals. The prosecution is seeking $370 million in penalties. Trump’s decision not to speak at the trial aligns with the judge’s restrictions and the lawyer’s advice.
Primary Source: Yahoo News, Politico
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