Former President Donald Trump’s legal battle in a Manhattan courtroom intensified today as he confronted a $10,000 fine and engaged in a heated dispute with Judge Arthur Engoron. The fine was imposed following a verbal altercation between Trump and a court official.
The courtroom drama unfolded against the backdrop of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ $250 million civil lawsuit, alleging financial fraud on Trump’s part. The star witness in this case, Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, recently testified against him, shedding light on alleged attempts at financial misconduct.
In response, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to present his perspective on the ongoing trial. He seized the opportunity to claim victory, asserting that Cohen’s testimony had actually favored him. On Truth Social, Trump posted, “The Attorney General case against me in New York State just lost its STAR witness, SleazeBag former attorney Michael Cohen (he was disbarred for lying, and more!), who admitted to lying in this case and clearly stated that I did nothing wrong.”
Trump’s assertion, though contentious, highlighted his efforts to discredit Cohen’s testimony, focusing on Cohen’s prior disbarment for lying. He further attacked Judge Engoron, describing him as “unhinged” and “highly political.” Trump accused the judge of bias, alleging that Engoron refused to dismiss the case despite a decision by the Appeals Court, a move Trump considered unprecedented in New York’s legal history.
The former President labeled the entire legal process a “Travesty of Justice” and criticized the business environment in New York, branding it “the least business-friendly State in the Nation.” Trump also directed his criticism at Attorney General Letitia James, calling her “Racist” and suggesting she should concentrate on addressing the record-setting murder and violent crime rates instead.
These statements from Trump underscore the intense political and legal tensions surrounding this high-profile case. The nation now watches, divided and eagerly anticipating the next developments in this ongoing legal saga.