Trump Erupts In Court, Proclaiming Innocence In New York Fraud Trial

In a dramatic turn of events Thursday during the closing arguments of his New York civil fraud trial, former President Donald Trump declared his innocence.

Addressing the court, Trump challenged the allegations of fraud brought against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James, labeling the lawsuit as a personal attack.

Trump's unexpected remarks came after his lawyer, Chris Kise, requested Judge Arthur Engoron to allow the former president a few minutes to speak, NBC News reports. 

Engoron, who will soon deliver a verdict that could have significant financial implications for Trump, including a potential $370-million penalty, initially hesitated but eventually granted Trump the opportunity to address the court.

During his statement, Trump emphasized his innocence, suggesting that he should be compensated for the ordeal. "They should pay me for what I've gone through," he said.

Despite the judge's instructions to focus on the facts, Trump's speech included criticisms of both the judge and James. He accused James of harboring a personal vendetta against him and described the case as a "persecution."

Also Read: Chris Christie Caught On Hot Mic Firing Shots At Nikki Haley: Trump, Ron DeSantis Agree 'She's Gonna Get Smoked'

Trump's presence in the courtroom was short-lived. According to NBC, he left before the attorney general's closing argument to hold a press conference at his 40 Wall St. property, one of the focal points of the case. There, he continued to denounce James as a "political hack" and asserted that his legal team had conclusively proven their case.

The stakes of this trial are high, not only for Trump's business empire but also for his political future. This legal battle is one of several that the former president faces, including potential criminal trials and a defamation suit.

Trump, who is running for re-election, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, framing the lawsuit as a politically motivated attack.

Now Read: Donald Trump Says Stocks Will Crash If He Doesn't Win: 'Market Is Going Up Because I'm Leading Biden In All Of The Polls'

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo: Shutterstock.