Former President Donald Trump was reprimanded by Judge Arthur Engoron during his testimony in a civil fraud trial in New York. Engoron warned Trump’s attorneys that he would dismiss Trump from the stand if they did not control his behavior. The judge repeatedly cautioned Trump against giving political speeches instead of answering questions, and even suggested that his attorneys should talk to him to get him back on track. Trump opened his testimony by accusing the prosecuting attorneys of being “haters,” which further frustrated Engoron. Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, argued that the judge was there to listen to what Trump had to say, but Engoron firmly stated that they were there to hear him answer questions. The trial will determine the damages and penalties owed by Trump and his business associates, who have already been found liable for fraud. New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the importance of facts and numbers in the case, despite Trump’s attempts to discredit her. Trump has been fined and threatened with jail time for violating a gag order put in place by Engoron. The trial has been filled with contentious moments between Trump and the judge, with Trump’s sons already testifying and his daughter Ivanka expected to take the stand later in the week.
Judge Urges Lawyers to Rein in Trump as Testimony Veers off Course
