Judge Arthur Engoron denied a request from President Donald Trump to delay the closing arguments in the New York civil case.
Chris Kise, one of Mr. Trump’s attorneys, asked the justice to postpone the closing arguments to Jan. 29, because of Mr. Trump is dealing with a “deeply personal family matter.”
“I am sad to advise the Court that Mrs. Trump’s mother passed away this evening. Because of the challenges presented by this deeply personal family matter, President Trump has asked that I request the Court postpone the date for closing argument until on or after January 29, 2024, so that he may attend and participate in the Court proceedings,” Mr. Kise wrote in an email.
The email was sent out at 9:26 p.m. on Jan. 9.
“I am sorry to hear the sad news,” Justice Engoron replied at 8:48 a.m. the next day. “The request to postpone tomorrow’s closing arguments is denied.”
The closing arguments have been scheduled for Jan. 11.
The justice explained that it takes a lot of effort from the court to accommodate Mr. Trump’s appearance in the court.
“The [court] administration even had to ‘evict’ the jury trial currently taking place in Room 300 for tomorrow,” he elaborated.
“On balance, going forward makes the most sense. Please tell Mr. Trump that I am sorry,” he concluded.
Mr. Kise affirmed that Mr. Trump will attend the closing arguments and plan to present.
Trump not Allowed to Join Closing Argument
The exchange on delaying the closing arguments is part of a string of emails in which the judge, prosecutors, and attorneys discussed on arrangement of the closing argument.
Mr. Trump planned to present his argument during the closing. Justice Engoron said he leaned toward allowing Mr. Trump to speak during the closing arguments but set several limitations on it.
Mr. Trump can only comment on material facts already presented in the evidence and application of relevant law.
However, Mr. Trump “may not comment on irrelevant matters, in particular, and without limitation, he may not deliver a campaign speech,” the justice said.
Mr. Trump is also not allowed to question the judge and his staff, court clerks, the New York attorney general and her staff, and the New York court system.
None of the above persons or institutions are relevant to the case, Justice Engoron said.
The restrictions triggered a heated exchange between Mr. Kise and the judge.
Mr. Kise said the limitation is unacceptable and unfair.
“He [Mr. Trump] cannot agree (nor would I recommend he do so) to the proposed preconditions and prior restraints,” he wrote. “You are not allowing President Trump, who has been wrongfully demeaned and belittled by an out of control, politically motivated Attorney General, to speak about the things that must be spoken about.”
“I won’t debate this yet again. Take it or leave it. Now or never,” the judge replied.
After Mr. Trump’s attorney missed the extended deadline to notify the court whether or not Mr. Trump would join the closing arguments with preconditions, Justice Engoron cut off the discussion.
“I assume that Mr. Trump will not agree to the reasonable, lawful limits I have imposed as a precondition to giving a closing statement about and beyond those given by his attorneys, and that, therefore, he will not be speaking in court tomorrow.”
Melania Trump’s Mother Dies at 78
Melania Trump’s mother died at 78 after falling ill late in December, the former first lady announced Tuesday.
Ms. Trump shared the news of her mother’s passing in a heartfelt post on X, formerly Twitter.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija Knavs,” Ms. Trump wrote, describing her mother as a “strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity.”
Ms. Trump said that her mother was “entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law.”
“We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy,” the former first lady said.
Ms. Trump did not disclose the cause of her mother’s death. Ms. Knavs died in Florida, ABC News reported.
President Trump mentioned earlier that his mother-in-law was “very ill” over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period.
Speaking at a New Year’s Eve event at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, President Trump acknowledged his wife had been absent from many family gatherings and holiday photos to be by her ailing mother’s side.
“Melania—great first lady, so popular, the people love her—she’s now in a hospital with her mother. Her mother, Amalija, is very ill, but hopefully she’ll be recovering,” President Trump said at the event.
Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
From The Epoch Times
