Judge blocks Trump from giving closing argument in fraud trial
A New York judge rescinded Wednesday permission for Donald Trump to give a closing argument at his civil fraud trial, reports state.
Judge Arthur Engoron's decision comes a day ahead of closing arguments in the now $ 350-million fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the Washington Post reports. The former president and Republican front-runner for 2024 denies wrongdoing.
The decision appears in a docketed email from Engoron to Trump's attorney Chris Kise.
"Not having heard from you by the third extended deadline," Engoron writes. "I assume that Mr. Trump will not agree to the reasonable, lawful limits I have imposed as a precondition to giving a closing statement."
The Washington Post notes Trump's request to give his own closing argument was "extremely unusual," but Engoron initially approved the request with limitations.
Specifically, Trump would have to limit his remarks to "relevant, material facts that are in evidence," according to the Washington Post.
Trump has already been found liable for fraud. The New York City civil trial is to determine damages.
James contends Trump and his two sons defrauded lenders by inflating the value of their assets in financial records. Trump claims he is the victim of a political witch hunt.