Alina Habba, the attorney representing former President Trump, announced on Sunday that she will be filing for a mistrial in Trump’s fraud case in New York in the near future. However, there are concerns about the judge who will be deciding on the motion, as Trump has repeatedly voiced his concerns about the judge’s alleged bias and political motivations.
Judge Arthur Engoron, who issued a gag order last month preventing Trump and others involved in the case from publicly discussing his staff members, has been the subject of Trump’s criticism. In fact, Engoron fined Trump $10,000 for violating the gag order. When asked about Trump’s concerns regarding the judge and clerk, Habba explained that the gag order prevented her from responding, but assured that they will be addressing these issues through legal filings.
Habba confirmed that they will be filing for a mistrial, stating that it will happen “soon” or even “very soon.” However, she highlighted the challenge of filing a motion for recusal, which they have already done twice, as it is ultimately up to the judge to decide whether he will recuse himself or declare a mistrial. The same judge who issued the gag order will have to make these determinations. Despite this, Habba expressed hope that the judge would act impartially based on the information they have learned.
Meanwhile, Trump’s defense is scheduled to present their case beginning on Monday in New York. The former president is facing a $250 million lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing him, the Trump Organization, and his two adult sons of engaging in fraudulent practices over the course of more than a decade. The lawsuit alleges that Trump’s company manipulated asset values to obtain tax benefits and better insurance coverage. Both Trump and his sons have denied these allegations.
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