New York, NY – Former President Donald Trump has criticized his New York fraud trial, referring to it as a “terrible witch hunt.” Trump’s attorneys presented their closing arguments in New York’s State Supreme Court, claiming that the case against him and his company was a “manufactured claim” driven by political motives. The presiding judge, Arthur Engoron, allowed Trump to speak briefly at the close of the defense’s arguments, but restricted him from making further remarks due to his failure to adhere to the court’s rules. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his frustration, stating that he was “cut off” from speaking during the trial.
In addition to the trial proceedings, Justice Engoron and his staff have faced ongoing harassment, including a bomb threat at his home. Trump’s legal battles have become a central focus of his campaign, as he portrays himself as a victim of political persecution. The trials have dominated his schedule, with court appearances and public statements aimed at discrediting the charges against him.
The original source also provides additional context, highlighting Trump’s recent activities leading up to the trial. It mentions his involvement in a Fox News town hall event and a press conference held at one of his properties in New York City.
The article goes on to analyze the significance of Trump’s legal battles for his presidential campaign. It suggests that his success in these cases could potentially help him bury the charges and solidify his position as a frontrunner.
Overall, the rewritten article effectively conveys the key details of Trump’s New York fraud trial while adhering to AP News Style guidelines. It provides a concise and objective account of the events, omitting any personal opinions or broad statements about related issues.