Closing arguments are currently underway in the civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump at a courthouse in Lower Manhattan. The trial has been going on for several months, and Trump's lawyers have until 12:45 PM to present their case. It was initially reported that Trump wanted to deliver part of the closing arguments himself, but the judge denied his request due to his refusal to agree to certain conditions.
Trump's attorney, Chris Kyes, began the closing arguments by asserting that this is a politically motivated case designed to target Trump and interfere with the election. He argued that his client had no intention to defraud banks when his financial statements misrepresented the true value of his assets. Kyes also took aim at Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, who played a significant role in the origin of this case. Cohen previously testified before Congress, alleging that Trump lied to banks, insurance companies, and tax authorities.
