Trump began speaking in the courtroom from the defense table, claiming the civil investigation is a “political witch hunt” and that he should actually receive damages. Judge Engoron let Trump continue before then saying he had one minute left. He then cut him off and urged his…

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 11, 2024

According to CNN, Trump was eventually allowed to speak from the defense table for approximately five minutes before he was cut off by Engoron. His comments were similar to his public criticisms of the case, claiming it was a “political witch hunt.” …

“We have a situation where I’m an innocent man I’ve been persecuted by somebody running for office and I think you have to go outside the bounds,” he added. “What’s happened here sir is a fraud on me…They want to make sure that I don’t win again and this is partially election interference.”

[Engoron may have wanted to demonstrate some good will by allowing this statement after Trump’s attorney delivered the official closing argument. Given that Engoron already found Trump liable in the lawsuit, most of this is irrelevant to the proceeding, in which Engoron has to set damages. This will all go to the court of appeal anyway, so it’s of little legal impact. — Ed]