Judge Arthur Engoron reprimanded Trump lawyer Jesus Suarez just 15 minutes into a three-hour cross-examination during the former president’s fraud trial, ABC News reported. Engoron expressed his frustration with Suarez for asking repetitive questions and interrupted the cross-examination to ask him to be more concise. “I see why this is going to take two or three hours. Some questions become three or four more questions,” Engoron remarked to the attorney.
The incident sparked a protest from Trump attorney Chris Kise, who accused Engoron of treating the defense team differently from the attorney general’s team. Kise argued that the cross-examination of the state’s sole expert witness held significant importance as it could influence the judge’s calculation of Trump’s potential fine. “This witness is the only one they have that even hints … about ill-gotten gains,” Kise emphasized. However, Engoron stood firm and reportedly refused to back down. He affirmed, “I stand by my rulings and statements.”
The exchange between Engoron and the defense team highlights the tension and differing perspectives surrounding Trump’s fraud trial. As the trial proceeds, the judge’s decisions and the arguments put forth by both sides will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case.
