Donald Trump, in a dramatic turn of events, was given the opportunity to address the court during the closing of his civil fraud trial in New York. The former president firmly maintained his innocence, stating, “I did nothing wrong,” and asserted that he should be compensated for the ordeal.
The trial, held before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, centered around allegations of fraudulent financial statements and a proposed $370 million fine against Trump. Engoron, who plans to issue a decision by the end of the month, had previously ruled that Trump could not participate in closing arguments unless he adhered strictly to relevant facts.
On Thursday, however, in a surprising moment just before the lunch break, Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise requested that Engoron allow his client to speak. Trump, ignoring Engoron’s condition to stick to the law and facts, launched into a statement, claiming the financial statements in question were perfect and that the banks involved were completely satisfied.
Trump’s unexpected address, characterized by political attacks and claims of being an innocent man persecuted by a political witch hunt, was met with frustration from Engoron. The judge, who had set a five-minute limit for Trump’s remarks, eventually had to cut him off, indicating that the former president should have approached this differently.
Following his courtroom appearance, Trump held a press conference at 40 Wall Street, one of his organization’s properties that is under threat due to the lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. In his lawyers’ closing statements, it was argued that James’ case was politically motivated and aimed to damage Trump’s business, despite his significant contributions to New York City’s real estate landscape.
James’ office has accused Trump of exaggerating his
wealth over a decade to secure favorable loan and insurance terms. Kevin Wallace, a lawyer for the Attorney General’s office, calmly laid out the evidence against Trump, arguing that fraud was central to the Trump Organization’s operations. Wallace asserted that Trump showed no remorse and perceived everything as a conspiracy against him.
During the proceedings, Trump’s lawyers, including Alina Habba and Cliff Robert, representing Trump’s eldest sons, Eric and Don Jr., vehemently defended the former president. Habba emphasized Trump’s intent was never to harm the Empire State, and Robert likened the AG’s pursuit to a professional “death penalty” against his clients.
The trial concluded around 5 p.m., with Engoron expressing hope to render his verdict by January 31. He cautioned, however, that this timeline is not guaranteed. Outside the courthouse, Attorney General Letitia James remarked that Trump’s personal attacks during the trial did not bother her, emphasizing the depth and breadth of the alleged fraud that enriched Trump and his family.
This case comes amid heightened security concerns, following a bomb threat received by Engoron at his home, which briefly cast doubt over the trial’s schedule. The final arguments proceeded as planned, despite a request from Trump’s lawyers to postpone them due to the passing of Melania Trump’s mother, Amalija Knavs. Engoron denied this request but offered his condolences.