Former President Donald Trump wants to deliver part of the closing argument Thursday in the New York civil case that alleges his real estate company engaged in business fraud, according to multiple reports.
An attorney informed Judge Arthur Engoron about Mr. Trump’s intention to speak during the summation and the judge approved the idea, according to an Associated Press report.
The unusual approach underscores how Mr. Trump will keep himself front and center as he juggles his presidential campaign and legal issues this year.
Mr. Trump is the front-runner in the GOP presidential primary, which kicks off Monday with Iowa caucuses.
New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges Mr. Trump, his eldest sons and the Trump Organization submitted false financial statements to gain favorable terms on loans and insurance. She is seeking $350 million in damages and wants to disqualify the Trumps from doing business in New York.
Mr. Trump says he followed standard business practices and banks were happy to do business with him.
Judge Engoron will rule on the case in the coming weeks.
Mr. Trump isn’t letting the courtroom spotlight go to waste. He railed against Ms. James and Judge Engoron from the Manhattan courthouse hallways during a weekslong trial, and he showed up in Washington on Tuesday to watch his lawyers argue that Mr. Trump enjoys presidential immunity from a federal indictment alleging he conspired against the U.S. by trying to overturn the 2020 election results.
Mr. Trump addressed the media from a Washington hotel after the hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
The Washington Times reached out to Mr. Trump’s lawyers for comment on the closing arguments in New York and how they will unfold.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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