“Delay, Delay, Delay”: Public Outrage as Trump Calls 127 Witnesses to the Stand

Gabriel RomanNov 13, 2023

Minute Read

In the swirling storm of legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, the New York civil fraud lawsuit stands out. This case, involving a staggering $250 million and a towering list of over 120 potential witnesses, is more than just another courtroom drama. Let’s look at this ongoing saga.

Trump’s Towering Witness List

The former President’s defense strategy in the New York-based lawsuit is eye-catching, to say the least. His team has prepared a list of more than 120 potential witnesses. This unusually long list suggests that the trial could stretch out much longer than usual as each witness brings their account to the stand.

The Heart of the Lawsuit

At the center of this legal whirlwind is a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. She accuses Trump and his family businesses of overstating the value of their real estate assets. This was allegedly done to get better deals on loans and insurance. James wants Trump to pay $250 million, along with stopping him and his sons from doing business in New York.

Early Decision by Judge Engoron

Justice Arthur Engoron, overseeing the Trump fraud trial, issued a significant pre-trial ruling. He determined that former President Donald Trump and the other defendants were liable for committing fraud. This early decision sets a crucial tone for the trial. However, the final verdict will specifically address the penalties and any other potential punishments for Trump.

Ivanka Trump’s Crucial Testimony

In the ongoing trial, many have turned their eyes toward Ivanka Trump, the former President’s daughter and a former Trump Organization executive. Along with Donald Trump and his other adult children, Ivanka’s testimony is particularly crucial. She served in a high-ranking position from 2011 to 2017. So, her insights will likely be pivotal in shaping the case’s outcome.

Trump’s Witness Strategy

Donald Trump’s defense team has made a strategic move. They have submitted a lengthy list of 127 potential witnesses. This approach could be part of a broader strategy to extend the trial’s duration. The list includes names of individuals who have already appeared in court, suggesting an attempt to create a more complex and protracted legal battle.

Court’s Stance on Witness Relevance

According to James Sample, a constitutional law professor, the court may not react positively to an excessive number of witnesses. If their testimonies do not directly pertain to the case or if they seem to have a political motive, the court will not be happy. The trial’s focus will strictly follow the relevance of testimonies as defined by New York law.

Delay Tactics by Trump’s Team

The legal strategy by Donald Trump’s team has been characterized by attempts to prolong the legal proceedings. They have consistently challenged the evidence presented and revisited legal arguments that Justice Engoron had previously dismissed. Such tactics could further extend the duration of the trial.

Trump’s Behavior in the Courtroom

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Donald Trump’s behavior during his testimony was marked by criticism directed at both the attorney general and Justice Engoron. His comments and behavior were similar to those he exhibited in his campaign rallies. This led to a situation where the judge had to intervene. He had to remind Trump to focus on the legal matters at hand rather than political commentary.

Judge’s Caution to Trump

In an unusual courtroom moment, Justice Engoron warned Donald Trump about using the trial as a platform for political speech. He instructed Trump’s attorney to ensure that the former President remained focused on the trial’s legal aspects. He stressed that the courtroom should not become a venue for political rallies.

Trump’s Admission of Property Valuation Errors

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During the trial, Donald Trump agreed that the valuations of some of his properties might not have been entirely accurate. However, he downplayed these inaccuracies. Instead, he argued that they were of little consequence to the financial institutions that relied on these valuations for structuring deals.

Court’s View on Defense Witnesses

James Sample outlined the court’s perspective on the defense witnesses. He indicated that while Trump is entitled to a strong defense, the relevance of witnesses will be critically evaluated. The court will base its judgments on New York law instead of on the defendant’s personal understanding or preferences regarding legal matters.

Strategy for Extended Trial Duration

The Trump defense team’s extensive list of potential witnesses suggests an underlying strategy to delay the trial proceedings. This approach, likely aimed at drawing out the trial, could lead to the defense extending its arguments and testimonies over a month or more. This could potentially benefit Trump as it could confuse those involved and potentially lead to a verdict of innocence.

Skepticism from Legal Experts

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, expressed skepticism regarding the defense team’s intention to call an exceptionally large number of witnesses. Rahmani views this as a tactical move to unnerve the prosecution and lengthen the duration of the trial. She does not believe it is necessary for the defense’s legal argument.

Diverse Reactions to Trump’s Witness Strategy

The decision by Trump’s team to have a long witness list has sparked varied public reactions. His firm supporters argue in his defense, insisting, “He has every right to call as many witnesses as necessary,” and raising questions about the court’s impartiality. “The judge might just be politically biased,” some supporters suggest.

Scrutiny of Justice System’s Fairness

Some believe that Trump’s prominence and political status are shielding him from harsher treatment by the justice system. “If this were anyone else, they’d be treated differently,” said one user. This is a common belief among those who believe that Trump’s celebrity and influence result in an unfair application of justice.

Humor Infused in Witness List Reaction

The extensive list of potential witnesses called by Trump’s team has also triggered a wave of satirical responses. Jokes abound on social media and in casual conversations, with comparisons being made to comedic troupes. “It’s like watching the Three Stooges,” one comment read, poking fun at the seemingly excessive number of individuals on the list.

Wild Guesses About Trump’s Witnesses

The uncertainty surrounding the identities of the potential witnesses in Trump’s defense has led to rampant speculation among the public. One user asked, “Who’s he going to subpoena in his defense? The guy who brought his diet Cokes? The janitor at Trump Towers? Melania? Or is the list a comprehensive list of all his “friends,” the ones he hasn’t yet stiffed, thrown under the bus, or denied knowing when they made him mad?”

Analyzing the Political Strategy

Some believe the lengthy witness list and the potential delays it may cause are a calculated move by Trump’s team. One user suggested it may be to “delay the verdict until the election perhaps.” Another user said, “Delay, Delay, Delay. While voters are waiting for evidence to decide who they should vote for. No American should vote for a man whose trials have not been held yet.”