In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump defied a judge’s orders and delivered a six-minute impromptu speech during the closing of his civil fraud trial in New York. Despite being prohibited from presenting a formal closing argument, Trump seized the opportunity to speak after his lawyers completed their statements, declaring himself an “innocent man” and claiming persecution.
As Trump began his address, the judge had cautioned him to stay on topic with the trial. However, Trump quickly diverted, asserting he was being targeted by political adversaries and criticizing the judge for apparent disinterest. “This is a fraud on me. What’s happened here, Sir, is a fraud on me,” Trump stated, at one point accusing Judge Arthur Engoron of being bored by his remarks.
The situation escalated when one of Trump’s lawyers was admonished to “control your client” by the judge, who allowed Trump to speak largely unimpeded for six minutes before cutting him off and calling a lunch recess.
Adding to the day’s drama, Judge Engoron’s home was reportedly the target of a bomb threat earlier that day, as per NBC News. The threat prompted a police response in Nassau County, although it remains unclear if the judge was present at his residence during the incident.