Former President Donald Trump stirred up controversy on Monday, November 13, alleging on social media that Judge Arthur Engoron, overseeing his civil fraud trial, attempted a secret deal he firmly turned down, maintaining his innocence.
In his characteristically bold manner, Trump accused Judge Engoron of bias in the $250 million lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claims Trump inflated asset values for loans and tax breaks.
Trump’s bombshell included the surprising assertion that the judge proposed a lower settlement amount during a confidential conference, an action that, if true, would breach judicial ethics. Despite providing no evidence, Trump’s claim fits into his narrative that the case is a politically motivated witch hunt.
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By painting Judge Engoron as complicit, Trump seeks to bolster his argument that the lawsuit lacks legal merit and is driven by political motives. The revelation about rejecting the judge’s settlement offer, though unverified, serves to project confidence in Trump’s belief that he will prevail at trial, emphasizing his commitment to truth rather than evading responsibility.
However, the public disclosure of the alleged confidential settlement offer on social media could potentially lead to sanctions for Trump, as it goes against the usual practice of keeping such matters private.
While the truth of Trump’s claim remains unverified, his willingness to share the unproven anecdote sheds light on his aggressive approach as the case approaches a climax. As ethical boundaries blur, Trump’s focus on winning public opinion takes precedence over maintaining privacy in legal proceedings.
