Trump Defies Judge, Gives Courtroom Speech

January 11, 2024 5:20 am

NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving a formal closing argument, Donald Trump wrested an opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York civil fraud trial. He unleashed a barrage of attacks in a six-minute diatribe Thursday before being cut off by the judge. Trump is accused of inflating his company’s financial statements in order to get better deals on loans and insurance. He called the proceedings “a fraud on me.” The day began with authorities responding to a bomb threat at the judge’s house. They found nothing amiss. The judge indicated he’ll rule by the end of the month.