In the ongoing civil fraud trial led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, former President Donald Trump was granted a brief opportunity to speak during the closing arguments.
Trump's attorney, Chris Kise, requested permission from Judge Arthur Engoron for Trump to address the court. Engoron responded by asking Kise if Trump would promise to comment solely on the facts and the law.
Trump was given approximately five minutes to speak before being interrupted by Engoron, as reported by CNN. During his brief statement, Trump asserted, "The facts are the financial statements are perfect, that there are no witnesses against us. The banks got all their money paid back. There were great loans." He further claimed that the trial was a "political witch hunt" and argued that he should be awarded damages.
Trump went on to express his belief that he was an innocent man who had been unjustly persecuted by someone running for office. He contended that the trial had exceeded the bounds of fairness and accused the opposing party of perpetrating a fraud against him. Trump also suggested that the motives behind the trial were rooted in preventing him from winning future elections, characterizing it as a form of election interference.
During a recess, Trump addressed reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom and reiterated his stance on the case. He stated, "This is a case that never should have ever been brought, and I think we should be entitled to damages."
As the closing arguments drew to a close, Trump's brief statement provided a glimpse into his perspective on the trial. While the trial continues to unfold, the final verdict will ultimately determine the outcome of this high-profile civil fraud case.
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