Judge Arthur Engoron, the presiding judge in Donald Trump’s $370 million civil fraud lawsuit, issued a strongly worded letter to the former president’s legal counsel regarding an absurd response to his inquiry regarding possible perjury during the proceedings.
Perjury Concerns Raised
On Thursday, Judge Engoron criticized Cliff Robert for his reply to the New York City judge’s inquiry regarding Trump’s co-defendant, Allen Weisselberg, and his alleged negotiations for a plea deal related to perjury with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
Impartiality Questioned
“You and your co-counsel have been questioning my impartiality since the early days of this case, presumably because I sometimes rule against your clients,” Engoron wrote. “That whole approach is getting old.”
Inappropriate Request
Robert, responding to the court on Wednesday, criticized the judge for his “unprecedented, inappropriate and troubling” request, which he claimed casts doubt on the impartiality of the court.”
Not Seeking a Debate
In response, Engoron wrote, “When I sent my straightforward, narrow request for information about possible perjury by Allen Weisselberg in the subject case, I was not seeking to initiate a wide-ranging debate with counsel.”
Misleading Response
He added, “However, your misleading response grossly mischaracterizes the letter that I wrote, and I feel compelled to respond.”
Plea Deal
In his email, Engoron referenced a report from The New York Times, revealing Weisselberg’s potential plea deal negotiations with Manhattan prosecutors for allegedly committing perjury during his October testimony in the civil fraud trial.
Never Paid Attention
During his testimony, Weisselberg asserted that he had never paid attention to the size of Trump’s Manhattan penthouse, despite Trump’s financial documents indicating it to be much larger than it actually was.
Crucial Role
However, reports suggest Weisselberg played a crucial role in falsely portraying its size to the media.
“Unsubstantiated News Reports”
In response, Robert criticized the court for considering “unsubstantiated news reports” in its decision-making process. Engoron rebuffed this argument.
Distorting Inquiry
The judge accused Robert of distorting his inquiry for additional details regarding possible misleading testimony by Weisselberg in his courtroom,
Clarification on Judicial Notice
Engoron wrote, “I have not taken, do not plan to take, and did not suggest or hint that I would take judicial notice of the subject New York Times article or the contents thereof.”
Times Article Exclusion
He further remarked, “Similarly, I have not taken, do not plan to take, and did not suggest or hint that I would take the Times article into consideration in my findings of fact.”
Legal Options
Yet, the judge noted that should Weisselberg admit to or be found guilty of perjury related to a critical aspect of the case at any point before a final decision is made, he would then explore and evaluate the legal options available.
Outrage Over Testimony Challenge
Engoron was also incensed by the defense’s challenge to Michael Cohen’s testimony, stating, “Your invocation of Michael Cohen’s testimony and veracity is completely out of bounds.”
Initial Verdict Date
The judge had initially planned to deliver a verdict by the conclusion of January.
No Surprise
State lawyer Kevin Wallace expressed little surprise at the prospect of Weisselberg potentially committing perjury during the proceedings.
Timely Judgment
Wallace stated, “If true, he should be held to account fully for his actions. But it should not delay a final decision and judgment imposing remedial measures in this law enforcement proceeding.”
Delay Benefits Defendant
Wallace emphasized that any additional delay in issuing a ruling would only play into the favor of Trump, Weisselberg, and the other defendants who are potentially facing punishments.
Refuted Allegations
Trump consistently refuted allegations of misconduct following accusations from New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claimed he misled investors by overstating the worth of his assets. He labeled the civil trial as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
Proceedings Intensifies
The ongoing trial, set against the backdrop of Trump’s presidential campaign, has seen increasing animosity.
SCATHING Email
Courthouse News reporter Erik Uebelacker underscored the unexpected severity of Engoron’s criticism in a post on X, stating, “Judge Arthur Engoron just sent a SCATHING email to Donald Trump’s lawyers for questioning his bias yesterday.”
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