As the New York civil fraud trial concludes against Donald Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron has withdrawn permission for the former president to make a closing argument. He had previously agreed and required Mr. Trump to jump through numerous hoops to be able to address the court with his arguments. Reports indicate when Trump’s counsel did not reply to the Judge’s satisfaction by his deadline, Engoron ordered Trump silenced.
Liberty Nation believes you should have all the facts without the spin. As such, we republish the text of Judge Engoron’s order here in full.
“Thus, in my sole discretion, I will consent to let Mr. Trump make a closing argument if, and only if, through counsel by 1/9/2024, and by himself, personally, on the record, just before he speaks, he agrees to limit his subjects to what is permissible in a counsel’s closing argument, that is, commentary on the relevant, material facts that are in evidence, and application of the relevant law to those facts. He may not seek to introduce new evidence. He may not “testify.” He may not comment on irrelevant matters. In particular, and without limitation, he may not deliver a campaign speech, and he may not impugn myself, my staff, plaintiff, plaintiff’s staff, or the New York State Court System, none of which is relevant to this case, and all of which, except commenting on my staff, can be done, and is being done, in other forums. If Mr. Trump violates any of these rules, I will not hesitate to cut him off in mid-sentence and admonish him. If he continues to violate the rules, I will end his closing argument and prevent him from making any further statements in the courtroom. If he violates the current gag order against him, I will immediately direct court officers to remove him from the courtroom forthwith and will fine him not less than $50,000. Finally, he must state on the record before he begins to speak that he also understands that, without exception, defendants, collectively, have only from 10:15 to 12:45, with one 15-minute break, to present their arguments, meaning that whatever time he speaks is time that other defense attorneys will not have.
Plaintiff will also have two hours and 15 minutes, from 2:15 to 4:30, to present closing arguments.
Mr. Kise, please respond.
Justice Engoron”
