In a series of dramatic events that unfolded in a New York City courtroom, former President Donald Trump was called to the witness stand in his $250 million state fraud case, fined $10,000 for violating a gag order, and made a hasty exit that left even his own legal team and Secret Service agents scrambling.
The courtroom drama began when Judge Arthur Engoron summoned Trump to testify under oath regarding his earlier comments to reporters. Trump had described someone sitting next to the judge as "very partisan." When questioned, Trump clarified he was referring to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, whom he has often labeled a liar and a felon. However, Judge Engoron was not convinced, noting that the focus of their cross-examination of Cohen was on his honesty, not his political inclinations.
Engoron's law clerk, who sits beside him, has been a point of contention for Trump's team. Earlier in the day, Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, had requested the judge to prevent any eye-rolling or whispers from the bench during her questioning of Cohen. The tension between Trump's legal team and the judge's staff had been palpable, with Trump previously making disparaging remarks about the law clerk on social media. This led to Judge Engoron issuing a gag order, which Trump was accused of violating, resulting in the $10,000 fine.
Trump's abrupt exit from the courtroom came after a motion from his lawyers on a separate legal matter was denied by Judge Engoron. The motion was based on Cohen's testimony that Trump never explicitly instructed him to inflate his financial statements. Trump's departure was so sudden that it caused a stir in the courtroom, with many taken aback by his actions.
Upon his return, Trump addressed reporters, stating, "The witness just admitted that we won the trial and the judge should end this trial immediately. Thank you." However, Cohen's testimony was far from exonerating. He described Trump as akin to a "mob boss" who conveys his desires without explicitly stating them. Cohen detailed how he and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg manipulated Trump's financial statements to achieve an arbitrary net worth set by Trump.
The trial has been marked by fiery exchanges, especially between Cohen and Trump's legal team. Cohen's credibility has been a focal point, with Trump's lawyers highlighting his past contradictory statements. However, State Attorney General Letitia James emphasized that Cohen's testimony is corroborated by a plethora of evidence.
The legal proceedings against Trump have drawn significant attention, with many viewing it as a test of the legal system's ability to hold powerful figures accountable. As the trial continues, all eyes will be on the courtroom, awaiting the next twist in this high-stakes legal battle.
