A New York judge has denied former President Donald Trump's request to speak during closing arguments in his criminal trial, prompting his attorney to label the decision as "ridiculous." The ruling sets the stage for prosecutors and defense attorneys to deliver their final summations on Tuesday.
Judge Juan Merchan of the Manhattan Criminal Court has rejected former President Donald Trump's request to address the jury during closing arguments in his criminal trial. The decision comes as the trial nears its conclusion, with closing arguments scheduled for Tuesday.
Trump's attorney Alina Habba expressed outrage at the judge's ruling, describing it as "ridiculous" during an interview on "Fox & Friends First." Habba argued that Trump has the right to present his own defense to the jury.
Jurors have been away from the courtroom for a week, following the conclusion of the evidentiary portion of the trial last Tuesday. The jury will return at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday to hear summations from both prosecutors and defense attorneys.
The Manhattan case, brought by District Attorney Alvin Bragg against Trump, alleges that the former president falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to pornographic performer Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election. Trump has maintained his innocence.
Merchan indicated that he expects closing arguments to take the entire day Tuesday and has inquired with jurors about their availability to stay late. There is a possibility that closing arguments may continue into Wednesday.
After closing arguments are completed, Merchan will provide instructions to the jury and send them to deliberate. Trump is required to remain at the courthouse during deliberations in case the jury sends any notes.
Defense attorneys previously motioned for dismissal after the testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney and the prosecution's "star witness." Cohen testified that he made the $130,000 payment to Daniels using a home equity line of credit to conceal it from his wife.
However, Trump's defense attorneys contend that the president never directed Cohen to make the payment. They argue that there is no evidence that Trump intended to mislead, hide, or falsify business records.
Prosecutors maintain that anyone "causing" falsified business records can be punished under New York state law. They argue that Trump set in motion the sequence of events leading to the falsification.
Trump has spoken to reporters outside the courtroom, expressing confidence that his defense team has "already essentially won" the case. He urged Judge Merchan to side "decisively" against Bragg.
