New York Court Rebukes Trump
Former U.S. President Trump has once again stirred up tensions with a New York court after making provocative statements. His remarks during the local fraud trial led to rebukes from Judge Arthur Engoron, who instructed Trump not to give “speeches.”
The 77-year-old Trump, a Republican ex-U.S. President, used his sworn statements in Manhattan to accuse Democrats of using the judiciary as a weapon against him. He claimed that the courts and prosecutors were biased against him.
The judge responded by reminding Trump that he was there solely to answer questions, saying, “I do not want to hear everything this witness has to say.” At one point, Trump said, “This is a very unfair trial. I hope the public is watching.”
Allegations Dismissed
The prosecution has accused Trump, his sons, and associates of manipulating the value of the Trump Organization for years to secure favorable loans and insurance contracts. Judge Engoron had already confirmed this before the trial, and the current proceedings primarily focus on determining potential penalties and several other charges.
As expected, Trump denied allegations of manipulating the value of his properties and businesses, arguing that there was no harm done since the banks had fully recovered their loans: “Everyone got their money back,” Trump stated. He intends to run for the U.S. presidency again as a Republican candidate in the upcoming year.
According to Reuters, Trump did acknowledge inaccurate wealth estimates concerning property valuations while on the witness stand. He reportedly downplayed the significance of these estimates.
Please “rein in” your client
The former U.S. President arrived in the courtroom shortly before 10 a.m. (local time). Judge Engoron repeatedly told Trump’s defense attorney, Christopher Kise, to “rein in” his client, warning that this could negatively affect his testimony evaluation. When Trump’s defense made counterproposals, Engoron reprimanded them to sit down.
While the trial may not result in a prison sentence or direct consequences for his presidential bid, a conviction could inflict significant damage on Trump’s business interests.
Trump’s children have also testified
New York Attorney General Letitia James aims to make Trump pay $250 million (approximately 239 million euros) and prohibit him from conducting any further business in the city. It remains unclear whether a conviction could also lead to the forfeiture of properties like the renowned Trump Tower in New York.
Trump’s children, including Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, have already testified. Both of them denied any involvement in the accounting and financial matters of the Trump Organization during the trial. Due to Trump’s numerous verbal outbursts and his repeated personal presence in the trial, Judge Engoron had previously threatened him with serious consequences, imposing minor fines and a ban on disparaging court personnel.
Trump is considered a prominent contender for the Republican presidential nomination in the upcoming election year. Observers believe he is using the trial for political campaign purposes and has repeatedly claimed that the proceedings are part of a political campaign against him.