Lawyers for Trump Request Mistrial in New York Fraud Case
Judge Arthur Engoron, right, and principal law clerk Allison Greenfield sit on the bench during former President Donald Trump’s civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool, File)
Lawyers Accuse Judge of Bias in Trump Fraud Case
Lawyers representing Donald Trump in the New York fraud case have requested a mistrial, alleging that the presiding judge, Arthur Engoron, has shown extreme bias throughout the proceedings. They argue that Engoron’s rulings and the involvement of his chief law clerk, Allison Greenfield, have irreparably harmed Trump’s right to a fair trial.
Prominent Role of Judge’s Law Clerk Raises Concerns
Trump’s legal team claims that Judge Engoron has allowed Greenfield to act as a de facto co-judge, further exacerbating their concerns over bias. They are questioning whether Greenfield’s political leanings have influenced what they perceive as a demonstrable pro-Attorney General and anti-Trump/big real estate bias.
Mistrial Request Adds to Ongoing Tensions
The mistrial request comes amidst ongoing tensions between Trump and Engoron. Trump was infuriated by a gag order imposed by the judge at the trial’s outset and by a pretrial ruling that could potentially result in the loss of control over some of his high-profile properties. Testifying last week, Trump criticized Engoron as an “extremely hostile” judge and deemed the trial as “very unfair.”
Allegations of Fraudulent Financial Statements
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit alleging that Trump and his company, along with top executives, inflated property values on financial statements, resulting in billions of dollars of exaggerated wealth. These fraudulent documents were used to secure loans and make deals. James seeks to recover over $300 million in ill-gotten gains and ban Trump and his sons from conducting business in New York.
Mistrial Motion Highlights Alleged Judicial Impartiality
Trump’s lawyers argue that Engoron’s astonishing departures from ordinary standards of impartiality warrant an immediate halt to the proceedings. They believe that the only way to maintain public confidence in an independent judiciary and the rule of law is to grant the mistrial motion. Engoron has given James’ team until Thursday to respond before he makes a ruling.
Trump’s Legal Team Raises Concerns Over Clerk’s Political Donations
In their mistrial motion, Trump’s lawyers also raise questions about the donations made by Allison Greenfield, Judge Engoron’s chief law clerk, to Democratic causes while running for a judicial position. They claim that these contributions, which potentially violated court rules, further contribute to their perception of bias in the case.
Response from Attorney General’s Office
Letitia James’ office has dismissed Trump’s allegations, stating that the evidence speaks for itself. They assert that Trump will be held accountable for the fraud he committed and the lies he told to enrich himself and his family, regardless of attempts to distract from the truth.
Future Implications and Current Proceedings
Before the trial commenced, Engoron ruled that Trump and other defendants had committed fraud by inflating net worth and asset values on financial statements. A receiver has been appointed to take control of some of Trump’s assets, although an appeals court is currently allowing Trump to retain control. The trial continues with defense lawyers calling witnesses.
(Associated Press reporter Jake Offenhartz contributed to this report.)