The court proceedings in the civil case in New York against former President Donald Trump have been highlighted from the start by NY Attorney General Leticia James’ outrageous and obvious vendetta against him.
The presiding judge, Arthur Engoron, has continued that demeanor, mocking Trump and making bizarre statements during Trump’s trial. Now it seems that the judge in his glass house may not be the right person to be throwing stones at the former president.
Engoron is known for his “smart alec” remarks and seems to feel free to punch the envelope in that regard.
Judge Arthur Engoron, who has made a habit out of mugging for the cameras while in court, has apparently posted many shirtless photos of himself in a high school alumni newsletter that he edits. The photos were posted online to the Wheatley School newsletter before being removed following reporting by opposition research group Marco Polo.
Some of the images, labeled “Bonus Photos,” appear to show Judge Engoron documenting his progress in the gym. The photos, which can be seen below, show his physical growth from a skinny and frail old man to a slightly more muscular version of himself. The photos were taken less than a year apart.
BREAKING: The judge presiding over Trump’s NYC trial appears to have a peculiar hobby of posting half-naked photos of himself on a high school alumni newsletter he controls as reported on by @MarcoPolo501c3.
The 74-year-old judge Arthur Engoron appeared to even post a… pic.twitter.com/JW2ArmxzzN
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 7, 2023
Considering the judge’s age, which is far past the age of usual gym-selfie-takers, and the fact that he is presiding over such a high-profile case, the fact that he would post such pictures of himself is disturbing and does not seem in keeping with the behavior expected of a presiding judge.
It is worthy to note that Engoron issued a gag order on Trump when Trump posted about proceedings and individuals concerning the trial.
When Trump posted his free speech opinion on the trial proceedings, the judge stated in court,” This morning one of the defendants posted on (a) social media account a disparaging, untrue, and personally identifying post about a member of my staff. Although I have since ordered the post deleted, and apparently it was, it was also emailed out to millions of other recipients.”
So, the judge had a problem with something going out to many in the media, but that only pertains to Trump’s free speech rights, not photos of himself that appear inappropriate.
On Monday, President Trump took the stand in his own defense and frequently sparred with Judge Engoron, who admonished him for refusing to answer questions. President Trump spent part of his time rebuking Engoron for bias in the trial, as demonstrated by his frequent laughter whenever attacked by the president.
Judge Engoron has issued fines against the president for criticizing members of his courtroom, rudely interrupting the president’s lawyers, targeting President Trump’s children, and bragging that he has the power to change a jury’s verdict.
Christopher M. Kise, a lawyer for Trump, told reporters, “In my 33 years, I have not had a witness testify better. He’s not backing down. He’s told everyone the facts. Now that the American people know what’s going on, maybe something will change.”
Trump attempted to give a copy of the disclaimer relating to the values of his property, which is under question, to the judge, but Engoron refused to take it. Presumably, the disclaimer would render the charges void.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the value of his property, Mar-a-Lago, was not overstated; in fact, it was understated. It was valued by the banks based on its fair market value, and the banks had no problem issuing a loan. The loans were properly paid off and the banks in question have never had a problem with any of the business transactions.
Indeed, attorneys for the Trump empire have demonstrated how Mar-a-Lago is exponentially larger than the properties surrounding it but was curiously undervalued at $18 million by the New York Supreme Court.
Steadfastly maintaining his innocence and offering proof of that innocence that was refused by the judge, Trump is understandably frustrated but is staying in the fight. Lawyers for Trump said to the press, “It’s not going to slow him down. It’s what he expected,” referring to the hostile Democratic AG and judge selected to preside.
Trump will be back in court today, and as he was leaving the courthouse, he remarked that a mistrial should be declared.
Reporters inside the courtroom stated that the judge has said he will allow Trump’s lawyers to make the mistrial motion in writing.
Trump lawyer Alina Habba has said that the whole proceeding is obviously politically motivated. Other Trump lawyers, Joe Tacopina and Todd Blanche, have also stated to reporters that there are “no facts” being presented in the case, adding that the whole proceeding is frustrating to the former president.
Answering the charges, Trump stated in court Monday, “This is the opposite of fraud.” Referring to Democrat New York Attorney General Leticia James, whose office has brought the unprecedented case against the former president, ” The fraud is with her.”
Rephrased from: The Republic Brief By: Trump Knows
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