This week, Americans were stunned to see how the judge presiding over Trump’s civil case behaved. As cameras were being kicked out of the courtroom, Judge Engoron smugly smiled. Many are taking this as a sign that he was biased against the former president.
This same judge claimed Trump overvalued his multi-million dollar properties. But it seems, during the first hearing, he made a critical error. He made a claim about a document that was read during the trial. And Trump took it to mean a big win for his case.
Donald Trump had a different perspective when he emerged from a Manhattan courtroom at the end of day one of the civil trial against him, brought by Attorney General Letitia James. He said that Judge Arthur Engoron, who is the sole arbiter in the case as there’s no jury on the case, had made a statement indicating that much of the case is no longer applicable due to a statute of limitations.
“The last five minutes was outstanding,” he said, “because the judge essentially conceded that the statute of limitations that we won at the Court of Appeals is in effect. Therefore about 80% of the case is over.” [Source: The Post Millennial]
Apparently, the judge admitted that much of the case against Trump exceeds the statute of limitations. Which means, he cannot be sued or charged over these allegations from Democrat prosecutors.
Trump claims, along with his lawyers, that 80% of the case is “over.” If true, then it is possible that the Democrats’ case against Trump’s businesses will end with minor, if any, penalties against Trump’s businesses.
If the judge is admitting this, why is he allowing this case? His smug smile seemed to suggest that this case had nothing to do with the allegations against Trump. It could confirm what many, many Americans have been saying for months, that these trials and lawsuits are about the election.
Democrats are suing and prosecuting Trump to derail his 2024 campaign. Many critics have said their real goal is to drain Trump of time and money, so he can properly run his campaign. Perhaps more Americans will feel this way, after learning about this statute of limitations.
Trump himself left the hearing saying this was simply “election interference.” His supporters seem to think the same.
What does this mean for Trump’s other cases? Democrats at the state and federal level are trying to get him convicted over a variety of claims. If this case ends up going in Trump’s favor, does that mean the others will as well?
Author: Kit Fargo