Trump Returns to Court for $250M Fraud Trial Amid Legal Drama
Former President Donald Trump made a stern appearance in court for the third week of his $250 million New York fraud trial, launching fiery accusations against prosecutors and state officials.
This legal showdown followed a federal judge’s recent imposition of a gag order in another case related to January 6.
Trump’s Critique of New York Attorney General
In the courtroom, Donald Trump did not hold back as he criticized the New York Attorney General, Letitia James, who brought forth the fraud charges against him in the state.
He referred to her as a “fraud” and condemned her vehemently. Trump alleged that James was on a “witch hunt” and described her as a “radical lunatic attorney general.”
Controversy Over Valuation of Mar-a-Lago
During the trial, Trump also expressed his discontent with the valuation of Mar-a-Lago, his Florida club. He claimed that it could be worth considerably more than the assessment made by Palm Beach County assessors, calling them “fraudulent people.”
He further criticized Judge Arthur Engoron and Letitia James for relying on these assessments.
Upcoming Deposition in ‘FBI Lovers’ Lawsuit
Later in the day, Donald Trump was scheduled to give a deposition in a lawsuit involving ‘FBI lovers’ Peter Strzok and Lisa Page.
The lawsuit centers around Strzok’s claim that he was fired for exercising his First Amendment rights and alleges pressure from the Department of Justice (DOJ) due to Trump’s accusations of treason and a “witch hunt” against him.
Gag Orders in Different Cases
Trump’s court appearance came in the wake of recent gag orders imposed by judges in two separate cases.
In the New York case, Judge Arthur Engoron placed a gag order on Trump after he targeted his clerk on social media.
This order restricts him from discussing the $250 million civil fraud suit and the judge’s staff.
In the Washington, D.C. case related to Trump’s election overturn effort, Judge Tanya Chutkan cited the New York case and imposed a limited gag order.
This order prevents Trump from attacking Special Counsel Jack Smith, prosecutors, or witnesses but still allows him to criticize the venue, Washington, D.C., where the trial is taking place.
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