In a no-holds-barred courtroom faceoff that sent shockwaves rippling through the legal community, former President Donald Trump tore into New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, lambasting him for his handling of a lawsuit instigated by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump, ever the pugilist, didn’t mince words as he took on both the judge and the attorney general inside and outside the courtroom.
“This is really election interference,” decried Trump, branding the legal proceedings as ludicrous. He went further, accusing the attorney general of racism, adding, “This is for third-world countries. And it’s very unfair.”
The heated exchanges reached a crescendo when the financial valuations of Trump’s assets came under scrutiny. Trump vehemently disputed the $18 million valuation assigned to his Mar-a-Lago resort, arguing that its worth far exceeded this figure. Justice Engoron appeared to challenge this claim, leading to a tense standoff.
Engoron, clearly exasperated by Trump’s lengthy responses and fiery retorts, pleaded with the former president to simply answer the questions posed. “Please just answer the questions, no speeches,” he implored.
Undeterred, Trump fired back, “It was so long ago, but well beyond the statute of limitations for anyone else, but not me because I’m sure the judge will rule against me.” His statement ignited a further clash with Engoron, who questioned whether Trump’s remarks were a “necessary part of the narrative”.
The courtroom drama escalated further when Trump’s lawyer joined the fray, demanding that the judge pay closer attention to Trump’s explanations. The attorney chided the prosecutors for their line of questioning, stating, “They should try to ask better questions.”
Engoron, seemingly at his wit’s end, turned to Trump’s counsel and implored, “Can you control your client? This is not a political rally: this is a courtroom.”
This explosive showdown is likely to fuel further public and media scrutiny of the lawsuit, which Trump has repeatedly decried as a politically-motivated witch hunt. The lawsuit revolves around the business dealings of the Trump Organization and has been a contentious battleground between Trump and Democratic state officials.
🚨 NY Judge reportedly screamed at Donald Trump after he took the stand in trial pic.twitter.com/DHZ6QlSJX1
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 6, 2023