A Manhattan judge is considering whether to fine Donald Trump a hefty $370 million on Thursday, after the former president’s family lawyer has repeatedly accused him of bias. That whole approach is outdated.”
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, who is expected to issue a verdict in the non-jury case later this month, once again called out lawyers for President Trump’s two eldest sons in a letter to the court this week. “I questioned the fairness of the matter.”
“You and your co-counsel have had doubts about my impartiality from the beginning of this case, perhaps because I have occasionally ruled against your client.” Engoron said in a letter to attorney Cliff Robert in Thursday’s filing.
“That whole approach is becoming outdated.”
Engoron on Tuesday asked Trump’s lawyers and attorneys from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office about the possibility that witnesses in the case lied on the stand and whether that should affect his final verdict. asked them to submit an answer as to whether or not. There are high expectations.
The judge’s request raised the following points: New York Times article from earlier this month Allen Weisselberg, former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, is reportedly in talks with Manhattan prosecutors about a possible plea deal on charges of false perjury in a civil fraud case overseen by Engoron. Ta.
Robert, who represents Eric and Donald Trump Jr. in the case, said Wednesday that Engoron’s consideration of “speculative” reporting “raises questions about the impartiality of the court.” he claimed.
In an email to Robert filed Thursday, Engoron said he did not want to start an “extensive discussion with the attorney,” but felt he had to respond to the attorney’s “misleading answers.” I made it clear.
“I have no intention of reopening the case, but if someone pleads guilty to perjury in a case I am presiding over, I would like to know about it,” he wrote.
Mr. Roberts, Mr. Trump’s lawyer Alina Hubba, and prosecutors from the Office of the Auditor General all separately said Wednesday that Engoron should not let the Weisselberg report influence its decisions.
Robert responded to Engoron’s email with a statement Thursday, saying, “I have always acted responsibly and will continue to properly advance the interests of my clients.”
Mr. Engoron’s letter does not indicate when he plans to issue a long-awaited ruling in Mr. James’ lawsuit against Mr. Trump, his sons, the family’s real estate company and others.
Mr. James’ office argued in a three-month trial that Mr. Trump overstated his wealth by billions of dollars a year in annual financial statements over a 10-year period to obtain favorable loan and insurance terms. .
She is seeking at least $370 million in fines against the former president.
President Trump, 77, has repeatedly attacked Mr. Engoron and Mr. James for unfairly targeting him, claiming the incident was part of a politically motivated witch hunt against him.
