Trump ‘did nothing wrong,’ says ‘they should pay me’ in fiery exchange with judge in civil fraud trial: ‘I’ve been persecuted’
NY Post
Donald Trump proclaimed, “I did nothing wrong” as he was unexpectedly allowed to address a New York court Thursday at the close of the civil fraud trial that threatens his business empire.
The dramatic moment unfolded after three Trump lawyers each made their final pitch to Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, arguing that the claims and proposed $370 million fine against the former president were “manufactured.”
“I did nothing wrong, they should pay me for what we’ve had to go through,” Trump, 77, said of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office, which is prosecuting the case and seeking the enormous penalty.
Engoron — who has said he expects to issue a decision on the non-jury case by the end of the month — ruled Wednesday that Trump couldn’t participate in closing arguments because he hadn’t agreed to stick to “relevant, material facts.”
Just before the court’s lunch break Thursday, though, Trump attorney Christopher Kise asked Engoron if his client could speak.
“If I let you speak, do you promise to just stick to the law and the facts?” Engoron asked Trump, who sat at the defense table, flanked by his attorneys.
