Staff Reports
In a bold and defiant move, President Trump took the stand during his civil fraud case and demanded a jury trial. Judge Arthur Engoron had previously ruled that Trump had indeed defrauded banks by inflating his assets. However, Trump, eager to spend less time in the courtroom and more time on the campaign trail, expressed his frustration at being detained.
Trump demands jury, says New York AG has 'no case' in heated testimony https://t.co/llAoWGPtai
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“It’s a disgrace. It is election interference because you want to keep me in court all day long,” exclaimed Trump. “And Judge… I want a jury.”
Trump firmly believes that this case is just another part of a larger witch hunt aimed at derailing his presidential campaign. Despite the legal obstacles he faces, which include four criminal indictments, a recent poll by The New York Times showed Trump soundly defeating Joe Biden. This evidence only strengthens Trump’s belief that the American people are not swayed by these legal proceedings.
During the course of his testimony, Trump criticized Judge Engoron for allowing a “fraud” case brought by “political hack” Letitia James, who campaigned for attorney general with a vow to go after Trump. Trump clearly felt that the judge had made a grave error in supporting James’ claim.
In a heated exchange, Engoron shut down Trump’s attempt to bring up the disclaimer clause in his financial statements. The judge made it clear that he had already considered and rejected those arguments. Trump, unwilling to back down, boldly stated, “You’re wrong in your opinion. He called me a fraud, and he didn’t know anything about me.”
Unyielding in his defense, Trump insisted that he is wealthier than his financial statements indicate and pointed out that none of the banks involved in this case had complained about losing money. With a sense of exasperation, he confidently declared, “You have no case.”
At one point, Trump requested permission to read a note he had brought with him, only to be shut down by the judge. Engoron’s refusal elicited a surprised response from Trump. The judge’s frustration with the president’s behavior was evident as he sternly reminded Trump’s lawyers that this is not a political rally.
This courtroom drama reached its boiling point as Engoron passionately declared that he was not there to listen to Trump speak. Slamming his hands on the table, he shouted “sit down!” to Trump’s lawyer. The tension in the courtroom was palpable.
Throughout this trial, Trump’s family members have also testified, with Ivanka taking the stand most recently. Despite these legal battles, Trump remains undeterred in his pursuit of victory in the upcoming election. The fact that he continues to lead in the polls against Joe Biden only strengthens his resolve. It is clear that Trump will not go down without a fight.
President Trump’s demand for a jury trial is his way of ensuring a fair and unbiased judgment, unlike what he perceives to be happening in this case. His frustration at being detained in court when he could be on the campaign trail reflects his dedication to serving the American people. Trump’s skepticism of the motivations behind this case is well-founded, as it seems to align with the witch hunt narrative that has plagued his presidency. The fact that the American people continue to support Trump in the polls despite these legal hurdles shows that they are not swayed by baseless accusations. Trump’s insistence that he is wealthier than his financial statements suggest only highlights his confidence and business acumen. The judge’s refusal to allow Trump to read a note demonstrates a clear bias against the president. It is yet another example of the unfair treatment he has faced throughout his presidency. Overall, this case is just another attempt by Trump’s opponents to undermine his campaign and discredit his achievements.
