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President Donald Trump emerged from the courtroom in New York City on Tuesday amid the second day of a civil fraud trial brought by the state’s attorney general, slamming the judge presiding over the case and decrying the drawn-out legal process.
“…We’re going to be here for MONTHS with a judge that’s already made up his mind,” he told reporters, via video captured by Fox News.
He continued, “It’s ridiculous. He’s a Democrat judge. He’s an operative, and it’s ridiculous. Other than that, things went very well.”
President Trump was referring to Judge Arthur Engoron, who drew massive heat on Monday for flashing a preening smile for courtroom cameras while Trump and his legal team maintained stoic composures.
Reporters asked if Trump would be back after lunch, to which Trump replied, “Probably.” This comment elicited chuckles from the press and lawyers gathered in the room as the president headed out to grab food.
Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters that New York Attorney General Letitia James needed to focus on solving problems related to rising crime in New York City and State. “Do something about all the illegal migrants pouring into our city and state,” he said.
He called for the dismissal of the case based on what he alleged were “fraudulent” numbers that James had given Judge Engoron regarding his business dealings and property valuations.
This latest chapter in the president’s legal battles comes after facing indictment four times this year amidst his 2024 presidential campaign to reclaim the White House.
Despite the trial and a host of other political and legal attacks, Trump will be campaigning heavily in Iowa this weekend, where he will deliver a doubleheader of speeches to prospective caucus-goers.