Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, cannot personally provide closing arguments in his impending New York fraud trial, as declared by Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron on Wednesday. By failing to ensure he would stick to the “reasonable, lawful limits” set by the court, he has lost the opportunity to speak for himself.
Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump won’t deliver closing statements at his NY fraud trial, according to a statement from Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron.
– Trump failed to reassure the court he would adhere to “reasonable, lawful limits” imposed by the judge.
– The former president missed the set deadline to confirm willingness to abide by rules, thereby forfeiting the chance to speak himself.
Judge’s Decision Amid Flood of Emails
Judge Engoron’s announcement followed a series of emails attached to the case file. In an email addressed to Trump’s legal counsel Wednesday morning, the judge expressed his understanding that the former president wouldn’t be appearing in his courtroom to give his final plea.
Engoron wrote, “Not having heard from you by the third extended deadline (noon today), I assume that Mr. Trump will not agree to the reasonable, lawful limits I have imposed as a precondition to giving a closing statement above and beyond those given by his attorneys, and that, therefore, he will not be speaking in court tomorrow.”
Lawyer’s Confirmation and Recent Developments
On January 4, Chris Kise, Trump’s attorney, communicated with the judge and New York attorneys general, indicating Trump’s intention to partake in the defense’s summation in the case threatening his family real estate empire. Although the AG initially opposed the move, Judge Engoron agreed to permit it, given that Trump strictly sticks to topics pertinent to the case.
He clearly outlined, “He may not seek to introduce new evidence. He may not ‘testify.’ He may not comment on irrelevant matters. In particular, and without limitation, he may not deliver a campaign speech, and he may not impugn myself, my staff, plaintiff, plaintiff’s staff, or the New York State Court System, none of which is relevant to this case.”
Repercussions of Possible Violation
The judge further warned that he would stop Mr. Trump in the middle of his remark and reprimand him if he violated any of these established rules. If he persisted in infringing upon the guidelines, the judge threatened to terminate his closing argument and bar him from making any more statements in his courtroom.
Judge Engoron also clarified that he would slap an additional $50,000 fine on Trump for any violation of a gag order, prohibiting him from commenting on Engoron’s staff. So far, Trump has already received $15,000 in fines for violating the gag order twice.
The judge stood his ground in an email sent on January 5: “If Mr. Trump violates any of these rules, I will not hesitate to cut him off in mid-sentence and admonish him. If he continues to violate the rules, I will end his closing argument and prevent him from making any further statements in the courtroom.”
This case remains a dynamic development, with future updates to follow. As it stands, all signs point to a silent ending for the former president in a courtroom where he was once expected to speak.