A bizarre tranche of emails was quietly released on Wednesday, showing the crooked New York Judge Arthur Engoron appearing to play favorites for the New York Attorney General Letitia James as well as ranting in all caps at former President Donald Trump’s lawyers.
In the string of messages, Engoron – who employs far-left activists as his court clerks – demanded that President Trump adhere to a set of ambiguous rules if he were to be allowed to address the court today for closing remarks.
I will consent to let Mr. Trump make a closing argument if, and only if, through counsel by 1/9/2024, and by himself, personally, on the record, just before he speaks, he agrees to limit his subjects to what is permissible in a counsel’s closing argument, that is, commentary on the relevant, material facts that are in evidence, and application of the relevant law to those facts. He may not seek to introduce new evidence. He may not “testify.” He may not comment on irrelevant matters. In particular, and without limitation, he may not deliver a campaign speech, and he may not impugn myself, my staff, plaintiff, plaintiff’s staff, or the New York State Court System, none of which is relevant to this case, and all of which, except commenting on my staff, can be done, and is being done, in other forums. If Mr. Trump violates any of these rules, I will not hesitate to cut him off in mid-sentence and admonish him. If he continues to violate the rules, I will end his closing argument and prevent him from making any further statements in the courtroom. If he violates the current gag order against him, I will immediately direct court officers to remove him from the courtroom forthwith and will fine him not less than $50,000.
Finding objection from Trump’s lawyer Chris Kise, Engoron went on to deny President Trump a delay due to the death of his mother-in-law this week, adding late Wednesday morning: “I won’t debate this yet again. Take it or leave it. Now or never. You have until noon, seven minutes from now. I WILL NOT GRANT ANY FURTHER EXTENSIONS.”
The news underscores the weight of the bias against Trump in the Manhattan case, with the Attorney General, judge, staff, and media all playing against him in the courthouse, both misrepresenting the facts of the case, and spinning the narratives for the general public at the end of each trial day.