In a dramatic turn of events during the closing arguments of the ongoing financial probe, former President Donald Trump took the opportunity to deliver a campaign-style speech from the defense table.
The trial, which centers around Trump's financial statements and dealings with banks, has been a contentious affair, with the former president consistently denouncing it as a "political witch hunt."
Trump's comments echoed his public statements throughout the trial, emphasizing the alleged perfection of his financial statements and the absence of witnesses against him. He argued that the banks had been fully repaid and that the loans in question were "great."
“This was a political witch hunt,” Trump declared, going further to claim that he and his team should be compensated for damages.
"We have a situation where I’m an innocent man, persecuted by somebody running for office, and I think you have to go outside the bounds," he asserted, suggesting the trial was tainted by political motives.
“What’s happened here, sir, is a fraud on me,” Trump asserted, linking the legal proceedings to potential interference in future elections. "They want to make sure that I don't win again, and this is partially election interference."
However, Trump's attempt to turn the courtroom into a campaign rally was cut short by Judge Arthur Engoron. After several minutes of Trump's impassioned address, Engoron interrupted, firmly stating, “One minute, that’s all I’m saying.”
“You have your own agenda, I understand that,” Trump responded defiantly to the judge's attempt to rein in the proceedings.
Engoron then directed his frustration towards Trump's attorney, Chris Kise, urging him to control his client. "Your honor, look, I did nothing wrong,” Trump protested, arguing that he deserved compensation for the reputational damage caused by the trial.
As the clock ticked, Engoron eventually brought an end to Trump's impromptu speech, displaying the time on his phone and stating, "Mr. Kise, this could've been done differently, and you would've had a lot more time. Mr. Trump, thank you."
