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Judge scolds defense for dragging out questioning
Judge Arthur Engoron scolded defense attorneys for dragging out their cross-examination of former President Trump’s ex-accountant by repeating the same questions.
Jesus Suarez, the attorney cross-examining Donald Bender, repeatedly asked the same question pertaining to the accountant’s work on Trump’s taxes over each year, drawing a rebuke from the judge.
Trump’s defense team objected to the judge’s order, citing the “extraordinary” relief the New York attorney general is seeking.
“They’re trying to lump together all years,” Chris Kise, Trump’s attorney, said of the attorney general’s case.
He added that different people have different responsibilities each year. Engoron told the defense counsel that they could ask the witness about “every year” but not “year-by-year.”
“What’s the difference? Jesus,” Engoron said, rolling his eyes.
Minutes later, as defense continued to ask the same questions, Engoron stopped questioning again.
“I don't talk just to hear myself,” he said. “You seem to be doing the exact same thing.”
Defense counsel again pushed back, accusing the judge of not allowing them to make their defense.
The judge said they have had “plenty of time” to defend themselves, and both Kise and Alina Habba said they disagreed. Trump shook his head vigorously.
“This is ridiculous,” Engoron said, pounding the bench. “For the press, I'm pounding the bench again. This is ridiculous.”
“I have a thick skin, but it’s really being pierced here,” Engoron later said.
thehill.com
Judge Arthur Engoron scolded defense attorneys for dragging out their cross-examination of former President Trump’s ex-accountant by repeating the same questions.
Jesus Suarez, the attorney cross-examining Donald Bender, repeatedly asked the same question pertaining to the accountant’s work on Trump’s taxes over each year, drawing a rebuke from the judge.
Trump’s defense team objected to the judge’s order, citing the “extraordinary” relief the New York attorney general is seeking.
“They’re trying to lump together all years,” Chris Kise, Trump’s attorney, said of the attorney general’s case.
He added that different people have different responsibilities each year. Engoron told the defense counsel that they could ask the witness about “every year” but not “year-by-year.”
“What’s the difference? Jesus,” Engoron said, rolling his eyes.
Minutes later, as defense continued to ask the same questions, Engoron stopped questioning again.
“I don't talk just to hear myself,” he said. “You seem to be doing the exact same thing.”
Defense counsel again pushed back, accusing the judge of not allowing them to make their defense.
The judge said they have had “plenty of time” to defend themselves, and both Kise and Alina Habba said they disagreed. Trump shook his head vigorously.
“This is ridiculous,” Engoron said, pounding the bench. “For the press, I'm pounding the bench again. This is ridiculous.”
“I have a thick skin, but it’s really being pierced here,” Engoron later said.
Trump’s New York fraud trial grows testy on day three: recap
Former President Trump’s fraud trial ended its third day on Wednesday, which was mostly spent cross-examining the government’s first witness, an accountant who oversaw business dealings…
thehill.com
