In a dramatic turn of events in the New York civil fraud case involving former President Donald Trump, his attorney, Christopher Kise, made a last-minute attempt to delay Trump’s upcoming testimony. However, Judge Arthur Engoron, presiding over the case, promptly dismissed Kise’s argument, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The move by Kise to seek a delay in Trump’s testimony contradicted his earlier stance, as reported by Raw Story on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin revealed that Kise had previously indicated he would not file a motion to postpone Trump’s testimony until the appeals challenging Judge Engoron’s gag order were resolved.
On the same day, Rubin engaged in a revealing exchange with Kise, questioning whether he intended to request a pause in the trial until Trump’s appellate rights were addressed. In response, Kise acknowledged the potential futility of such efforts, explicitly stating that he did not plan to pursue this course of action.
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However, in an unexpected turn later that day, Rubin reported on Twitter that “[Kise] still asked, and got a ‘nice try’ from Engoron.” This unexpected move by Kise, despite recognizing its potential futility, resulted in a swift rejection from the presiding judge.
The exchange between Kise and Engoron sheds light on the intricate legal maneuvering and tensions surrounding Trump’s involvement in the civil fraud case. Kise’s attempt to delay Trump’s testimony, contrary to his prior statements, underscores the strategic considerations at play in the defense’s approach to the trial.
Judge Engoron’s response, encapsulated in the phrase “nice try,” indicates a clear dismissal of Kise’s efforts, emphasizing the court’s resistance to eleventh-hour attempts to alter the trial schedule. It reflects a determination to proceed with the proceedings, maintaining the integrity of the trial process despite attempts to introduce delays or changes.
The rejection of Kise’s attempt adds an extra layer of drama to the courtroom, emphasizing the challenges and strategic decisions involved in navigating the legal landscape surrounding a high-profile figure like Donald Trump. The case’s significance, given its implications for Trump’s financial interests and the broader legal scrutiny surrounding the Trump Organization, continues to draw considerable attention.
As the civil fraud case unfolds, each legal move and decision becomes crucial. Judge Engoron’s rejection of the delay attempt reinforces the court’s commitment to a timely and fair trial, even amid the legal complexities and controversies surrounding this high-profile case.
