Sources: Trump Set to Present Closing Arguments in New York Civil Fraud Case on Thursday
Sources reveal that Donald Trump's legal team has engaged in discussions with the judge handling his New York civil fraud trial, exploring the possibility of Trump presenting his defense during the closing arguments on Thursday
Trump's legal team has been in talks with the judge overseeing his New York civil fraud trial regarding the possibility of the former president speaking in his own defense during the closing arguments on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the matter. Judge Arthur Engoron has reportedly indicated that Trump may be allowed to speak in the courtroom, albeit with certain restrictions.
Trump, however, did not want to agree to any pre-conditions as of late Tuesday, one source told CNN, so its unclear what will happen in the courtroom Thursday.
Bill Hennessy
Takeaways from the appeals court hearing on Donald Trumps immunity claims
Another source has reported that Trump's legal team is currently getting ready for the former president to take part in the conclusion.
Throughout his court appearances, Trump and his team have alleged election interference by Joe Biden, portrayed his legal troubles as politically motivated persecution, and diverted media focus from his Republican opponents who have been unsuccessful in narrowing his substantial lead in the polls.
Two days after Trump's underwhelming appearance in a Washington, DC, courtroom, the closing arguments are set to take place. Trump's lackluster appearance at the US Court of Appeals on Tuesday, where oral arguments were made regarding his presidential immunity claims, did not garner the usual level of attention that he is accustomed to. Despite his attendance being optional, Trump's appearance was seemingly intended as a distraction from his GOP rivals six days before the Iowa caucuses.
On June 24, 2023, in Washington, DC, former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton. Speaking to a crowd of conservative evangelical Christians, Trump covered a variety of topics. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
video
CNN reporter describes Trump's behavior at his presidential immunity hearing.
Despite being warned by his advisers that the federal courthouse wouldn't allow him to take center stage, Trump chose to stay at his private club in Virginia and make a low-key entrance into the courtroom without any media coverage.
Despite Trump's insistence on attending the hearing, he opted to hold a spontaneous press event following the proceedings, prompting the US Secret Service and his team to hastily organize for him to deliver remarks at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
"We're not exactly thrilled about him having to go to court. It's not something we requested. But we're making the best of the situation," explained a senior adviser to CNN.
Within the past month, Trump and his legal team initially claimed that Trump would testify as the final witness in the New York civil fraud case, but then changed their decision. Additionally, last spring in Ireland, Trump stated he would "probably attend" the civil trial over E. Jean Carroll's rape allegation to "confront" the accusations, but ultimately did not attend. Although not facing criminal charges in the civil fraud case, the claims against Trump are personal, with the New York attorney general seeking $370 million in damages and to prohibit Trump from conducting business in the state.
The attorney general's complaint claims that Trump, his two adult sons, and his company committed fraud by inflating the value of the former president's assets to obtain better rates from banks and insurance companies. Judge Engoron has ruled that Trump is guilty of fraud and is now considering damages and six additional claims in the bench trial.
Throughout the 11-week trial, Trump has clashed repeatedly with Judge Engoron. The judge issued a gag order during the first week of the trial to prevent comments about his staff, after Trump posted attacks on social media targeting the judge's clerk. Engoron fined Trump twice for violating the gag order, even summoning him to the witness stand to answer questions about comments made outside the courtroom when he complained about a "very partisan" individual sitting alongside the judge.
CNNs Jeremy Herb contributed to this report.
This story has been updated with additional details.
