Judge Incensed by Trump Lawyer’s Outlandish Assertion: Melania’s Mother’s Death is Reason for Trial Delay
Amidst the $350 million fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump, an intense clash unfolded between his attorney, Chris Kise, and civil court judge Arthur Engoron. Tensions escalated when Kise, in a heated exchange, cited the death of Melania Trump’s mother as a reason to delay the trial, as reported by Raw Story on January 10, 2024. The incident came to light when Judge Engoron rejected Trump’s unusual request to deliver his own closing arguments, revealing angry emails exchanged between Kise and Engoron. The judge’s decision stemmed from Trump’s legal team’s failure to agree that he would adhere to the facts and refrain from insulting individuals involved in the case or delivering a campaign speech.
Engoron made it explicit that Trump couldn’t impugn anyone connected to the case or turn the opportunity into a political platform. Kise, however, refused to agree, arguing that the conditions were ambiguous and might lead to unintended violations. Engoron, emphasizing the normalcy of such limitations for closing arguments, demanded a response from Kise by 4 p.m. ( 📰 The Potential Reasons Behind Biden Considering a Compulsory Military Draft ) Kise missed the deadline, citing Trump being “in the air” and the passing of Melania’s mother, Amalija Knavs, as reasons. Despite Kise’s request for a postponement until January 29 due to the latter reason, Engoron declined, expressing sympathy for the loss but pointing out the logistical challenges involved in accommodating Trump’s court appearances.
Even after confirming Trump’s intention to speak in court, Kise once again failed to agree to Engoron’s imposed limitations. Frustrations mounted as Engoron demanded an immediate response, and Kise protested against the restrictions on Trump’s ability to address specific issues. ( 📄 Judges’ Inquiry Erupts Courtroom Leaving Trump Startled ) Engoron, refusing further debate, set a noon deadline for compliance. ( 🔗 Speech Filled with Falsehoods: Joe Biden Faces Disruption in Charleston ) However, court records indicate that Kise failed to meet the deadline. This heated exchange underscores the ongoing tensions and conflicts surrounding the high-profile fraud trial.
The judge’s steadfast refusal to grant further extensions reflects a commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the trial stays focused on the facts rather than becoming a platform for political statements or personal attacks. The emotionally charged confrontation between Trump’s attorney and the judge unfolds against the backdrop of a trial that has captured the attention of a politically mature American audience, raising questions about the balance between legal proceedings and the potential for high-profile cases to turn into spectacles. (news-us.feednews.com)
