Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron has delivered a sharp rebuke to former President Donald Trump’s expert witness, Professor Eli Bartov, expressing frustration with Trump’s legal team’s courtroom tactics. The judge dismissed Bartov’s testimony, asserting that he had “lost all credibility,” despite Bartov’s claim of “no evidence whatsoever” of fraud in Trump’s financial statements.
Reported by the Conservative Brief on December 19, 2023, Engoron’s scathing critique highlights the lack of evidence supporting Trump’s claims and challenges the assumption that Bartov’s testimony is “true and accurate.”
This incident follows a previous court session where Judge Engoron displayed frustration during the cross-examination of another witness, criticizing Trump’s attorneys for their technical and time-consuming questions. He slammed his hand on the table, exclaiming, “This is ridiculous!” and questioned the tactics, suggesting they were geared towards influencing a jury or the media, despite it being a bench trial where the judge alone decides.
Throughout the 10-week civil trial, Engoron engaged in heated exchanges with Trump’s legal team, expressing frustration with attempts to prolong proceedings. He questioned the intended audience, asking, “Who are you talking to — me, the press, or the audience?” and deemed such courtroom theatrics inappropriate for a bench trial.
The civil trial concluded on December 13, with closing arguments scheduled for early January in New York. Engoron’s reactions and rebukes during the trial raise questions about the effectiveness of Trump’s defense strategy and the credibility of the expert witnesses presented. As the case approaches its conclusion, the judge’s responses may play a crucial role in shaping the trial’s outcome.
