It’s insane to see Donald Trump being treated with such disrespect.
A New York judge admonished former President Trump for his animated reactions during a witness’s testimony in his civil fraud trial. Judge Arthur Engoron issued the warning and ordered him to ‘pipe down’ when Trump expressed frustration and consulted with his legal team as real estate appraiser Doug Larson testified. Kevin Wallace, a lawyer from the state attorney general’s office, requested that the defense refrain from making comments during the witness’s testimony, as Trump’s remarks were audible to those on the witness side of the room. Engoron then reminded everyone to lower their voices, especially if it might affect the testimony.
According to The Hill, this incident occurred during Trump’s second appearance at his extensive fraud trial. Former President Trump has often displayed his displeasure by grumbling, scowling, or raising his hands in exasperation before leaving to deliver passionate speeches in the courthouse hallways. When this anger spilled over to attacks on court personnel via the Truth Social platform, Engoron issued a limited gag order, preventing Trump and other involved parties from discussing or posting about his employees.
Trump has consistently referred to the trial as a “witch hunt” and criticized both Judge Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James for their roles in the case. He vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Letitia James had filed a lawsuit against Trump, the Trump Organization, and Trump’s two adult sons, alleging decades of fraud involving the manipulation of asset values to obtain tax benefits and better insurance coverage. The lawsuit seeks $250 million in financial penalties and a ban on Trump and his children serving as officers or directors of New York companies.
Before the trial officially began, Judge Engoron ruled that James had established the core of her case, holding Trump and his co-defendants liable for fraud. This ruling resulted in the revocation of some of Trump’s business licenses and an increased risk of losing control over some of his renowned properties. Trump’s legal team appealed the ruling and sought a stay for both the decision and the trial until an appeals court could review their case. The New York appellate division declined to halt the trial and most of the ruling but did temporarily prevent the cancellation of Trump’s business licenses.
This fraud trial, scheduled to continue through December, is just one of many legal challenges that Trump is expected to face in the coming year as he pursues his candidacy for the White House in the GOP presidential primary. Trump is facing a total of 91 charges across four criminal cases and is involved in over half a dozen civil lawsuits.