Judge Arthur Engoron has rebuked one of former President Donald Trump’s lawyers in court on Thursday over the suggestion that one of the attorneys prosecuting New York’s fraud case against Trump should work for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
The incident occurred during a hearing in the case, which is being brought against Trump and his company, the Trump Organization. The prosecution is alleging that Trump inflated the value of his assets in order to obtain loans and other financial benefits.
Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, made the suggestion about the prosecutor, Andy Amer, during a discussion about the defense’s witness list. Kise said that Amer should “check the internet” because “Vladimir Putin has some openings.”
Judge Engoron immediately demanded an apology, calling the dig “totally uncalled for.” Kise initially refused, arguing that there was “no reason” for him to apologize, but later expressed contrition after a break telling Engoron “when you’re right, you’re right,” and Amer that he was apologizing “on the record.”
This is not the first time that Judge Engoron has rebuked Trump’s lawyers. Last week, he chastised Kise for referring to his principal law clerk as a “female principal law clerk,” suggesting that misogyny might be the cause of it.
Engoron’s rebukes of Trump’s lawyers are a sign of his frustration with the way that the case is being conducted. He has repeatedly warned Trump’s lawyers about their conduct, and he has threatened to impose sanctions if they do not comply with his orders.
Implications for the Trump Fraud Case
Engoron’s rebukes of Trump’s lawyers could have a significant impact on the outcome of the fraud case. If Trump’s lawyers continue to engage in conduct that is disrespectful to the court, it could lead to sanctions that could make it more difficult for them to defend their client.
In addition, Engoron’s rebukes could also damage the reputation of Trump’s legal team. This could make it more difficult for Trump to find other lawyers to represent him in the future.
Conclusion
Judge Arthur Engoron’s rebukes of Trump’s lawyers are a sign of his frustration with the way that the case is being conducted. Engoron has repeatedly warned Trump’s lawyers about their conduct, and he has threatened to impose sanctions if they do not comply with his orders.
Engoron’s rebukes could have a significant impact on the outcome of the fraud case. If Trump’s lawyers continue to engage in conduct that is disrespectful to the court, it could lead to sanctions that could make it more difficult for them to defend their client. In addition, Engoron’s rebukes could also damage the reputation of Trump’s legal team. This could make it more difficult for Trump to find other lawyers to represent him in the future.