The ongoing civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump, overseen by Justice Arthur Engoron in the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, New York, has recently seen significant developments.
Chris Kise, Trump’s attorney, sought to delay Trump’s scheduled December 5, 2023, testimony. This move was intended to allow time for an appeals court to review a gag order issued by Judge Engoron, which restricts Trump and his legal team from publicly criticizing the judge’s law clerk and court staff. However, Judge Engoron firmly dismissed this request. Engoron rejected the postponement, stating, “Absolutely not. No way. No how. It’s a nonstarter.”
Eric Trump, initially set to testify in the defense, has now withdrawn. Donald Trump attributed this change to a “RIGGED TRIAL” orchestrated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, as stated on his Truth Social platform.
The trial, focusing on claims by Attorney General James of intentional overstatement of Trump’s assets by himself, his sons, and the Trump Organization, has continued for over two months. Justice Engoron has preliminarily found Trump liable for ongoing fraudulent activities.
The defense’s approach, featuring expert witnesses and testimony from Donald Trump Jr., has been criticized for resembling more a public relations effort than a serious legal defense. Trump’s lawyers have also unsuccessfully sought a mistrial, questioning Judge Engoron and his law clerk’s neutrality. Judge Engoron has demonstrated little patience for Trump’s legal tactics, previously imposing a fine for contempt and describing the defense’s arguments as almost frivolous and detached from reality.
The trial’s verdict holds significant implications for Trump’s business ventures. Attorney General James seeks to impose $250 million in penalties and intends to prohibit Trump and his sons from holding executive positions in New York-based companies, as well as restrict their property dealings in the state for five years.
As of Tuesday, December 12, Trump is refusing to participate in any further testimony in court.
Trump’s legal representatives have signaled plans to appeal any unfavorable judgment.
