Trump civil fraud trial judge defends questioning potential perjury from witness

CNN —

The judge overseeing the New York attorney general’s fraud case against Donald Trump defended his questioning of a potential guilty plea by a long-time ally of Trump, saying allegations that he is not impartial are “getting old.”

The exchange is the latest in a long-running case fraught with tension as the parties await the judge’s ruling which could significantly impact the former president’s business in New York.

Judge Arthur Engoron has asked the lawyers for Trump and the attorney general’s office whether he should consider the possible perjury admission by former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg, as reported by CNN, The New York Times, and numerous news organization, and if it should impact the timing of his decision, which is expected this month.

In this courtroom sketch, former President Donald Trump is questioned by Judge Arthur F. Engoron before being fined $10,000 for violating a gag order for a second time, during the Trump Organization civil fraud trial in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., October 25, 2023 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg In this courtroom sketch, former President Donald Trump is questioned by Judge Arthur Engoron after appearing to reference a court clerk in comments made outside the courtroom earlier Wednesday, in violation of a gag order. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

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In a letter Wednesday, Trump’s lawyers said it would be improper for the judge to consider anything that did not come into evidence during the 45-day trial and “calls into question the impartiality of the Court.” The attorney general’s