Trump trial live updates: Closing arguments in civil fraud case

Closing arguments are being held on Thursday in a New York court for the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump, two of his sons, and their company, the Trump Organization. New York Attorney General Letitia James accuses Trump and the other defendants of scheming to falsely inflate the values of real estate assets to reap hundreds of millions of dollars in gains. James has requested fines and bans for Trump and his sons from the state’s real estate industry. Trump denies any wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of politically motivated persecution. The trial, which did not have a jury, lasted for 44 days. The verdict is expected in the coming weeks. Trump arrived at Manhattan Supreme Court for the closing arguments, despite being barred from speaking in them. Judge Arthur Engoron rejected his request to personally deliver some of the closing arguments. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that Trump is not above the law, regardless of wealth or power. Judge Arthur Engoron was targeted in a “swatting incident” just hours before the closing arguments took place