AP Sources: Trump to Present Closing Argument at Civil Fraud Trial
Former President Donald Trump is planning to give his own closing argument in his New York civil business fraud trial, in addition to his legal team’s summations, according to two sources familiar with the plan.
Trump is being sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claims that his net worth was inflated on financial statements in order to secure business loans and insurance.
An attorney for Trump informed Judge Arthur Engoron that the former president wishes to speak during the closing arguments, and the judge approved the plan, according to one of the sources who spoke to The Associated Press.
The Trump campaign and a spokesperson for James declined to comment.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, delivering a summation would be highly unusual, especially since Trump has several attorneys representing him and is not a lawyer himself.
In closing arguments, both sides present their views of the evidence and why they should win, aiming to persuade the judge, in this case, Judge Engoron.
The lawsuit’s top claim has already been decided by Judge Engoron before the trial, ruling that Trump and other defendants engaged in fraud for years.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
