Trump Took The Stand; It Did Not Go Well

[@LegalEagle]

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[@osmosisjones4912]

So Trump sent a violent mob to stop his own fake electors scheme

[@osmosisjones4912]

Ant reasonable judge would block evidence

[@nian60]

Your comment section is full of spam again.

[@osmosisjones4912]

Property value is assessed by a third party

[@flickcentergaming680]

It better come back to haunt him!

[@Sivick314]

Whenever I listen to Trump lawyers speak I have the same thought, "that bar exam is way easier than they tell us"

[@DarkOmegaMK2]

There was only one question with one answer on a small piece of paper, and the answer had to be a big number.

[@BoudiccasGhost]

OR you can buy it. 🤷

[@KeitieKalopsia]

Lmfao but that’s true, how did they become lawyers to begin with? Money, I must assume

[@twodonks]

I’m a lawyer. It’s a fact that most lawyers are decent people. A stupid person could never pass any state’s Bar and it’s not possible to buy a Bar card, but that doesn’t all lawyers use good judgment or act ethically.

[@Lizablue0608]

😂

[@xhappybunnyx]

I love how the "freedom of speech" issue is being used to bastardize the role of a lawyer. The WHOLE POINT of a lawyer is to advise you how to best use your freedom of speech, which, you guessed it, typically involves SAYING LESS

[@Tinandel]

Well I certainly agree that lawyers don’t need any help bastardizing themselves!

[@jc_art_]

Everything you say can and will be used against you, afterall.

[@Worm-revolver]

Also the first amendment is more than just the freedom of speech, it's also the freedom to practice religion and creates a separation between the government and religion through the establishment clause which prohibits the government in any way shape or form from supporting or establishing or promoting any religion. I say this because you'll get a lot of conservatives saying that they're freedom of speech and first amendment rights are being trampled on but at the same time trying to say that America is a Christian state and nonsense such as that. A fun fact is that banning abortions is actually a violation of the first amendment because women in Judaism have the right to have abortions and make banning it is a violation of their religious right.

[@jc_art_]

@@Worm-revolver i like that loophole

[@TheMysteryDriver]

@@Worm-revolverso you're saying polygamy is legal then?

[@bloonstowerdefender]

When I heard about Trump pulling out a piece of paper, all I could think of was Park and Rec when Ron tries to slaughter a live pig in a public park with no permit. When confronted, claims he has a permit, hands the park ranger a piece of paper that just says "I can do what I want"

[@rebeprice4400]

Lol I he did a Hersel walker prop pulling out his deputy badge this guy has to go

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Chump loved the "get out of jail free" Monopoly game card more than anything else. He learned everything he needed to know about his desires via that game... which was to bankrupt EVERYONE. Himself included. 🤮

[@13shadowwolf]

The audacity to think that he would just hand the Judge a note, and the Judge would be forced to agree with him. It really demonstrates just how screwed up Donald Trump's perception of reality is.

[@simonwahlen7150]

@@13shadowwolf To be fair Trumps only real skill in buisness, politics or negotiations is to blugeon is way through conversations and make it hard to analyze and disagree with his wild takes on what is "fair". It's the whole drag them down to his level of idocy and beat them by experience strategy. He has made it work in surprisingly wide amount of situations. But a courtroom with it's strict and formal scheduled introductions of evidence and testimony is designed to make sure no one can manipulate the judge so that won't work here. That strategy won't work here but it is the only one he got.

[@jennyjohnson5428]

Ron wore it better 📝

[@Tamachan87]

"I had a judge...slamming a table." Was she...referring to the gavel?

[@debrajonet1497]

The norm.

[@miapdx503]

The cult take their cues from Don the Con. Play victim...whine more...

[@ImNotACatLawyerButIPlayOneOnTV]

Poor Judge Engoron. Years of law practice to have to deal with this clown show of a defense team.

[@wesleyfravel5149]

It’s a good thing he had it. Makes sure he’s ready to see this case through and make it sticks on appeal.

[@AntiKira20]

He would have made a great World Eater

[@KingDetonation]

​​@@AntiKira20You have no idea how happy I am to see someone else also put this out

[@MorbidEel]

Judges have probably dealt with many similar cases. Social media provides plenty of examples of similar people. Most just don't have enough either fame or notoriety to get reported on.

[@1972LittleC]

Only the finest trump u alumni...

[@tammersalem]

"read my opinion again... or for the first time, perhaps" Ouch, I have to imagine that comma was a short pause from the judge as he looked over the rim of his glasses and drove home that savage burn.😂

[@WhiskerDooz]

"God dayum" -Some guy in the back

[@patrickdix772]

I still find it odd that Trump seems to think writing "We could be lying on these documents" into his financial paperwork and it'd prevent any lawsuits or criminal trials.

[@paulmryglod4802]

That is far more common than I wish it were

[@scottie2636]

He should be jailed for the statement alone. He basically says that he's lying.

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

This is literally what every person who makes someone sign a waver believes. "I can put you on this deadly park ride that I knowingly dont maintain since you signed this document I printed off the internet."

[@EnbyOccultist]

@@skeetsmcgrew3282Yeah, what a worrying amount of people don't seem to know or realize is that for a waiver to be legally binding it needs to meet a number of qualifications and conditions. What people also don't seem to know is that even legally binding disclaimers are perhaps the weakest of all binding contracts, depending on the circumstances a judge can just throw out a waivers importance in a case, rightfully so when so many waivers these days are outright admissions of guilt...

[@shadowninja6689]

For real, by his logic we might as well just legalize most forms of fraud since any fraudster would be an idiot to not include such a "get out of jail free" clause in their scam.

[@umbraviventem]

She has never had a judge hit the table with their gavel? So this is her first time ever in a trial?

[@candacen7779]

I wouldn't be surprised. She represented a parking garage company in NJ before this.

[@TheNewton]

do not take proven hypocrites and liars at their word.

[@kingforaday8725]

Do you believe this judge has ever hit anyone with his gavel????

[@adriannemalden8668]

​@kingforaday8725 Don't be ridiculous.

[@kingforaday8725]

@@adriannemalden8668 Just askin!!! I believe he does appear to have anger issues!!!

[@hawkshot867]

"The judge said to sit down and slammed the table" That's.... That's literally every depiction of judges literally ever.

[@DyslecticAttack]

"And tell me ma'am, did this judge wield a blunt instrument while doing so? A wooden weapon perhaps? And did this judge seem to have a designated spot on his desk to hit, reinforced so it could withstand the abuse this judge is prone to?"

[@lunaangeleclipse9745]

yeah when she said that I was like, what's the problem? slamming tables with a gavel is like 90% of a judge's job /j

[@Strype13]

Judge: "What do you mean a property's value inflates over time? What does that have to do with anything?" Trump: "My property may have been appraised at $200 million right now, but in 2063 it will be worth $2.8 billion... so obviously it's worth $2.8 billion, and that's exactly what I wrote down. You idiots just don't understand the real estate market like I do. We must stop this political witch hunt!"

[@OctagonCookies]

⁠@@DyslecticAttackTo be fair slamming the desk with the gravel basically never happens and it really is a movie thing. Most judges will spend their entire careers without ever doing it once.

[@melissaverdoni845]

@@OctagonCookies to be even mORE fair , trump is making a joke out of the legal institution, thus the gravel was BOUND to come out

[@joshuawilson8804]

I'll give this to Trump. We are all learning the American Legal and Governmental functions, because it all has to be explained in baby terms for him to understand.

[@ebnertra0004]

Best civics course ever

[@VeronicaWarlock]

We are also learning all the holes in these systems that people have usually always exploited as discretely as possible in the past.

[@IanBourneMusic]

He doesn't understand it, even in those terms.

[@myopiczeal]

@@TheACcam Yep, all it takes is one asinine jackass in a cheap suit folding his arms and saying, "Nuh uh."

[@vintlulu]

​@TheACcam that is a lesson in civics all the same.

[@jingleball2427]

Its so insane listening to an intelligent person quote Trump directly he literally speaks like a child.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

That's why his followers adore him. He makes them feel like they're intelligent, sophisticated, savvy, and all the other things narcissists like to pretend they exude.

[@insertfunnynamehere1256]

@@Novastar.SaberCombatcouldn’t have worded that better

[@zenbear9952]

@@Novastar.SaberCombat A delusional narcissist leading other narcissists. The blind leading the blind

[@cellophane6338]

​@@zenbear9952this perfectly sums up trump and his followers, thank you for putting it into words

[@state_song_xprt]

John Oliver did this like six years ago on his show, it was incredibly strange

[@Mcmos9000]

I love getting mad at the judge for “slamming the table.” Like lady, you know that’s what the gavel is for right?

[@kellyalves756]

“The smart thing to do is declare it a club and have one member.” This is why people talk about a wealth tax, because no matter how big a legal bite the autocrats have to take it will never match up to the amount they hide through loopholes.

[@Triple_J.1]

Loopholes are written into the tax code by the people they are meant for. Wealthy people can hire lawyers to figure out how congress, judges, and presidents have structured the legal system for themselves. But there is no moral argument for the ethical process of confiscating ones assets on pain of imprisonment on an annual basis.

[@MeanKno]

​@@Triple_J.1Taxation is considered moral because it is seen as overall beneficial for all of society, and because we have agreed to taxation through the laws and political representatives we vote for. Taxation is moral, but only so long as it is fair. With all the loopholes the rich benefit from there is a lack of fairness. With the fact that people barely make enough to get by, but are expected to pay a similar percentage of tax as someone making enough to sustain a town of families is also not fair. So the immorality lies in the fact that the rich are not contributing enough via taxes and the burden falls on the middle class and the poor. On top of that the rich are subsidized and bailed way more than the middle class or poor. So they disproportionately pay less tax and disproportionately benefit from taxes paid.

[@fatherthor4015]

There should be no billionaires. Once you hit 999M you should get a plaque that says you won capitalism and every cent you make after that goes to charity

[@harmless9336]

​@@fatherthor4015that would be nice on varying levels. That way if people didn't want the money to go to charity it would at least be spent and recirculated into the economy instead of sitting in a pile collecting dust.

[@emb5048]

⁠@@Triple_J.1Waaah! Waah! Waaah! Poor little rich 1%!! F-king with our wages, IRAs, healthcare… We shouldn’t have to pay the same taxes as POOR PEOPLE!!! Waaaaaah!!!

[@mallowtonmouse]

"tax it as a club and just have one member" is a ridiculous way to admit to tax fraud

[@osmosisjones4912]

The judge did same crime Legal eagle did same thing leaving out tax value

[@Boyzby]

@@osmosisjones4912 So you admit it's a crime, therefore Trump should be punished.

[@kurtwpg]

The problem with cheating as reflex for your entire life is that the lines blur between what you can get away with and what you can't. Being dim is unhelpful as well.

[@keatoncampbell820]

​@@Boyzbyno no you missed his point where strawmen are bad I swear take my word for it, therefore daddy Trump is sooooo good 🥵🥵🥵

[@tamlandipper29]

@@osmosisjones4912 It's a bit obscure but under old Saxon law more than one person can commit a crime.

[@apjtv2540]

I'm just imagining the judge woke up that morning and realised "I'm about to hear possibly the worst testimony in all of American history"

[@RevShifty]

And was proven correct in record time. If this clown wasn't actually a one time US president, it might be a pretty hilarious sideshow. Instead, it just gets more depressing by the second.

[@giannaleng1897]

100% the worst day of his career. He probably needed a good stiff drink after 😓

[@spacenerd9499]

😂😂

[@zeronova1484]

More like a whole bottle or two to be honest.

[@Bob-nc5hz]

Let's be honest, lower courts routinely face that level of nonsense especially when people represent themselves. OPCA (SovCits) are uncontrollable legal brainrot. It's rare to see that level of nonsense for a privately represented individual though.

[@londospark7813]

Damn! He really is the epitome of "You have the right to remain silent, you just lack the ability!"

[@someonelikeme543]

Yep. Narcissism in action.

[@kellyalves756]

Is that a Fin Tuturo line? 😁

[@miapdx503]

His lack of self control has already cost him 83 mil. He learned nothing.

[@jordansweet8054]

@@kellyalves756 Shrek 2 actually.

[@anthonyobryan3485]

Trump had the right to remain silent. He just didn't have the ability.

[@Chuckakhan]

Only in criminal trials. In civil trials you can draw a negative inference by remaining silence

[@Maladjester]

"Drunk in public? I was drunk _in the bar._ The bouncers threw me into public. Arrest _them!"_

[@f.frederickskitty2910]

​@@Maladjester He WAS the bar (it wasn't his fault he was drunk). 😂

[@diverboy70]

That idiot would talk his way into jail even if he was innocent

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Easy on there, Ron lol

[@seventeenraccoonsinatrenchcoat]

I'm convinced not having a jury was not a mistake. They anticipated a loss, and their narrative plays better against a judge they can paint as biased rather than a jury

[@Bagahnoodles]

That's my thinking as well. They must have known they were hosed going in, so this was their only real play.

[@scottyoung4226]

I have felt something similar. My understanding was that they could have requested a jury trial, but that the court would have had strong precedent to make it a bench trial. I don't think they wanted to lose on that one.

[@na3rial]

Yes it’s very intentional

[@DespiteMN]

Thought maybe they could get it changed to stall or just blame everyone as biased. Sounds on brand

[@2l84t]

Didn't Habba say in an interview they didn't want a jury because they wouldn't understand the financial complexities? Besides once the trial's over the jurors can speak. That's a lot of interviews to have to respond to.

[@afreezaphorogiancossack2194]

4:20 having worked in courtrooms for years, yes, judges and clerks communicate with each other and with bailiffs and the court reporter via passing handwritten notes, even in this day and age. It's perfectly standard for every courtroom I've ever been in. They often say things like "I think juror #7 is falling asleep" or "the court reporter needs to use the bathroom," but they can be about anything.

[@Bella-vt7ol]

I would also accept them writing "trump is a moron" 🤣

[@EsteemedReptile]

"Hi my friend Lachie thinks u r pretty will u go out with him?"

[@kingforaday8725]

I dont believe you.

[@KonkaBass]

Imagine trying to say a judge using their gavel to call order is a personal attack.

[@digitalboy80]

Must be one of those "precious snowflakes" I keep hearing about.

[@jessicastevens538]

The whole case is a personal attack. I hate trump but it's clear as day this is a hit job.

[@JordanDragonAs]

​@@jessicastevens538good we need one

[@jessicastevens538]

@@JordanDragonAs yep and that's exactly why you'll always be a follower because you won't stand up for the freedoms that this country was built on like the people before you did.

[@CPny65]

That same judge says he has tools at his disposal to overturn a Jury because he disagrees with them. He has claimed to have used them too. This is how he reads the Laws he is suppose to uphold

[@jackwells8107]

I have been in court where people were put in jail for being a few minutes late, when the nearest highway had been shut down by a huge wreck. I have seen videos where people were put in jail for contempt for wearing a hat or not pulling their pants up (presumably because the person in charge was a fashion judge). Trump should be in jail and have no access to the press or social media and would be, if he was treated like any other US citizen.

[@thatonedog819]

Except this seems to be a civil case, not criminal

[@TysonJensen]

irrelevant. Contempt of Court can land you in jail irrespective of whether the case itself was criminal or civil. Trump doesn't need to post bail nor could the judge put a condition like that on him but if any normal person had behaved like Trump has, they'd be wondering how their civil case spiraled into them being in the pokey. And they'd have plenty of time to ponder it.@@thatonedog819

[@taoofjester4113]

​@thatonedog819 that is not the one simple trick judges hate that can be used to get out of a contempt of court charge. Say stupid shit in court, say stupid shit out of court, get jail time stupid shit.

[@ZenViking-d8u]

Play stupid games win stupid prizes

[@shevek2954]

Rules don't apply to the rich and powerful in the US judicial system.

[@GamerX13X]

Judge: "Control you wild client, or I will. Trump's lawyers: "How dare you yell at us like that!?"

[@blakksheep736]

Judge: _controls wild client, exactly as promised_ Lawyers: "Noooo! You can't do that! Fredumm of speech! Fredumm of speech!"

[@debbiethomas2622]

They also didn't seem to learn from trump's previous teams that were told the exact same thing only later to be faced with fines (I believe there were a couple contempt of court charges), and close yo loss of licenses.

[@San-lh8us]

@@debbiethomas2622he is literally billionaire, 5k fines are a joke, he should be going to jail for contempt alone, as any regular person would, but again, he is a billionaire, so he is above the law

[@syiridium703]

@@San-lh8us Yeah, it should be 5% of his estimated net-worth per each fine. He would get quiet really fast. And maybe the properties he own would also very quickly get devalued.

[@morphicresonance4015]

Trump: "How dare YOU talk about wild behavior, given your school alumni pics? How dare YOU talk about control, given you've been rebuked twice by appeals court over your gag orders? YOU are out of control, evidenced by your convicting me in a summary judgment, before I could present a defense at a trial. And what about your biased legal clerk? YOU either get it together, or I will."

[@Palozon]

He's not playing to win the case. He's playing for public opinion, like always. If Trump can devolve the trial into the usual mudslinging he can make the facts of the case seem more contentious than they are.

[@righthandstep5]

It won't work

[@Palozon]

@@righthandstep5 ...in court. He's betting that if he can get back into power, by hook or by crook, this can be swept away one way or another. Or, if this does nail him, it won't ultimately affect perception among his base if they believe it's a sham. There are degrees to success. I hope this blows up in his face, but what he's doing isn't purposeless. It's doing _something,_ even if that something is really, really stupid to anyone paying attention.

[@retrohipster1060]

Yeah, i think the reality is that him making this political means he can rile up his base before election. He will probably lose, then make enough of his supporters to be rich still.

[@bryanekers3472]

Heck, even if he make a political comeback, he can angle for a pardon from a future Republican president (not in this case, admittedly, but the pending federal charges) if that president needs to curry favor with whatever remains of Trump's fanbase. I can picture the eventual 2024 Republican nominee (if it isn't Trump himself) hinting that a pardon for Trump will be a priority in his first week in office, in hopes the Trumpists will vote for him as opposed to just sitting out the election entirely in butthurt disappointment.

[@Zalzany]

@@bryanekers3472 Pretty sure any one doing that once he is convicted will find themselves in impeachment inquiry the next day lol.

[@VanBuren43]

everyone who has even been found in contempt of court, admonished, penalised, prevented from presenting a specific defence or entering specific evidence etc should find a way to bring a class action lawsuit against the court that has permitted trump everything that was denied other defendants. it's disgusting. interrupting the judge, lying under oath, attacking everyone that is working against them. it's a vile spectacle. all courtesies are extended to this family of criminals just because they're rich and famous. disgusting.

[@ysf-psfx]

You hit the nail on the head. Thanks for saying it better than I ever could.

[@ardentynekent2099]

You’re right. It is a spectacle!

[@aubarlowe]

unfortunately, it's not a matter of them getting special privileges "because they're rich and famous" out of bootlicking, but because they have to be really careful or Trump can play it as they are against him rather than following the law (which he is, of course, doing anyway).

[@VanBuren43]

@@aubarlowe it doesn't really matter why. the behaviour is either intolerable or par for the course. if it's intolerable it shouldn't matter who's in the courtroom. it's a slap in the face to all those who were penalised for it

[@aubarlowe]

@@VanBuren43 I completely agree with you. I'm more explaining why it's happened.

[@IanBourneMusic]

How did yelling like that not get Trump hit by "contempt of court". Probably would for anyone else.

[@bararobberbaron859]

Being a beloviating wackjob shouting untruthful things into the void because he is in love with his own voice is his default, so I guess the judge doesn't know him any other way and as such Trump isn't really behaving 'out of character'?

[@GaigeGrosskreutzGunClub]

It's a symptom of being afraid of a repeat of 1/6 except in their court/office/residence. The defense team is speaking loudly and carrying a big stick and hoping it translates to a favorable verdict or a successful coup

[@bobthegamingtaco6073]

The answer is that nobody wants to slow down to add contempt to the case. They just want to ignore his lil baby whining long enough to get to sentencing, and then put him away. If we could take our time with this guy, I gaurentee he'd have his bail revoked, and every little investigation would take as long as possible, just to make sure he gets the worst treatment our Justice system has to offer. But no, he has to get put away properly right now or we risk an armed riot made up of 200,000 people and 6 brain cells.

[@IanBourneMusic]

@@bobthegamingtaco6073 just try it separately. Doesn't affect this case

[@JacobMcBaggins]

​@@bobthegamingtaco6073well this one won't put him away, this is a civil suit

[@MrHGravity]

His tactic of saying, "nuh-uh" to everyone telling him he can't do the thing he wants to do, then sticking his fingers in his ears and yelling has hopefully hit the conclusion that it was always heading to. But it's been 7 years, almost 8... At this point I won't hold my breath, and if our legal system can't punish this guy in a way that counts then it deserves to be rotted out.

[@nl817]

Just because 1000 people tell you you can't do something doesn't make them right.

[@highwind1369]

​@nl817, maybe. But when multiple subject matter experts explain a likely outcome, don't be surprised when they're more accurate in their assessment than you are.

[@TheNzFox]

the issue is it hasn't been 8 years, its been 80. Trump has spent his whole life acting this way and has always gotten away with it so why would he think now is any different?

[@oscannail274]

What does "rotted out" mean?

[@JoshSweetvale]

But it's always worked so far. It has! It's horrifying, but true!

[@erich6860]

"The smartest thing to do is have a club and one member" So Trump is telling you how to break the law.

[@osmosisjones4912]

It's using the laws.

[@devcrom3]

This is the no TrumpSSSS Club. We're allowed to have one!

[@eringrl101]

@@osmosisjones4912 it’s fraud lol, he’s explaining how to get around laws to do something you aren’t supposed to. I just had my Justice give someone a nasty dressing down for admitting to this exact thing.

[@Toramt]

Or more or less saying 'if you have enough legal funds you can be as disingenuous in interpreting contract language as you like because nobody will be able to afford to stop you'.

[@steveszymczak448]

Can u explain how it's breaking the law? I didn't understand the significance of the "one member" thing in the video

[@Strype13]

There are no words powerful enough to describe the utter hilarity catalyzed by the fact that... with this being one of the most high-profile trials in the history of the DOJ... Trump and his legal team are stuck entirely sans a jury simply because they "forgot to check the box."

[@khaerinaenno]

This case kinda have nothing with DoJ. Relevant organization in New York is called "Department of Law". (People tend to forget that this case have nothing with federal prosecution, federal jurisdiction, federal law, Department of Justice or FBI in any capacity.)

[@evaburnz]

Judge Engoron himself stated that this would never have been a jury proceeding because the punishment being sought by the state is an "equitable" remedy rather than a "legal" remedy. The decision not to opt for a jury has nothing to do with Trump's defence team, and it was AG James' office who requested a non-jury proceeding.

[@evaburnz]

@@khaerinaenno it's a civil matter brought by the State of NY. So yes, it has no federal bearing.

[@jaelwyn]

And as the judge himself has said, this type of trial never has a jury. Not even if you ask for one. They didn't forget.

[@tamijeffcoat5462]

"I have all the best people." -DJT 🤣

[@jasonlevine2711]

"I don't have to deal with a judge telling me what I can and can't do!" I'm not a lawyer, but even I know that this is precisely what a judge can do in his courtroom. Habba is free to argue with Judge Engoron, defy him, and see where it gets her. Spoiler alert: She won't like where it gets her.

[@tlucas7031]

In my first year of law school, I remember a professor saying, “When the judge’s mouth starts to open, yours starts to close.” I guess she skipped that day. Seriously, though, besides just decorum, there’s a procedure for dealing with the problem she’s purporting to be worried about. Object, and if the objection doesn’t go in your client’s favor, appeal. I think it’s pretty clear that she’s just trying to play to the media there, not the court.

[@jc_art_]

​@@tlucas7031its all about the spectacle

[@KathleenPatterson-g9r]

Considering the fact that she represented a parking garage, her inabilities are obvious.

[@PenguinLord10]

My thoughts exactly. She was complaining about following the rules. I guess that comes with the job of representing someone who doesn't like to follow rules either.

[@TaranAlvein]

"Slamming a table". Does she mean banging his gavel? Because if so, that's a thing that judges do, to silence people who are speaking out of turn, sweetie.

[@dwightgaston6079]

He didn't say it for the judge, he said it for his cult, which is why judges keep threatening him with jail but are too terrified to do so. Less influential people would have been jailed months ago.

[@Sarah-said]

I don't think that any of the judges are terrified of putting Trump in jail for his behavior in the court room on in front of media. I think that the different judges are allowing Trump and his lawyers say the most outrageous things for two different reasons. 1st, they are letting him hang himself by letting him continue to confess to his crimes both in court and in the media as he has been doing for years now. 2nd, Trump's lawyers are letting Trump say the most unhinged things in the hope that each judge will get so irritated with what Trump is saying that the judge will either have to declare a mistrial or the judge will get frustrated and say the wrong thing to Trump and then the lawyers will have a reason to appeal whatever judgement Trump receives. I know that the majority of us are beyond tired of seeing and hearing about Trump and what he thinks but I believe that the prosecutors and judges are playing the long game now so that Trump will hopefully lose most of his money first and then he will be locked away for a very long time. Trump and his kids (that committed crimes with him) need to learn what it's like to be treated like any other American citizen that breaks the law. This is especially important since Trump has been committing crimes for years and has used his money and the legal system to escape being forced to payback all those businesses and people he didn't pay in (at least) the state of New York. Trump also needs to pay for the hell and embarrassment he has put our country through. Most of all, he needs to be brought to justice so that his followers might finally see how he has screwed them over the most. His supporters need to see how he has used and abused them.

[@CraftyWanderess]

This. Trump is not playing the same game, that’s why he wants it to be televised. His game is getting the public to be behind him and try to be elected before any of this gets anywhere. And then change the rules.

[@claudiavalentijn1457]

yep. Dictatorship is the endgame@@CraftyWanderess

[@geoffok]

Exactly

[@JackFoxtrotEDM]

@@CraftyWanderessYeah but to be fair, as LegalEagle said, it still would've been nice to still see this stuff happening live, he mentioned it kinda sucks having to use secondhand sources to get an idea of what happened.

[@tenjoe4]

I always figured his lawyers knew they would lose a jury trail too and went with the judge so they could call the inevitable loss a conspiracy easier.

[@evaburnz]

Judge Engoron himself stated that this would never have been a jury proceeding because the punishment being sought by the state is an "equitable" remedy rather than a "legal" remedy. The decision not to opt for a jury has nothing to do with Trump's defence team, and it was AG James' office who requested a non-jury proceeding.

[@emptyhad2571]

KZbin 12 years your pfp is a n.

[@jessicastevens538]

So you haven't been paying attention as it already came out that he was never given the option of a jury trial. The judge clarified this last week that the JUDGE declared that Trump's attorney didn't "forget to check a box". The judge just decided that he could rule over this matter himself. Lol pay attention!

[@JordanDragonAs]

​@@jessicastevens538oh great a Trump suckered yay😅

[@markalexander7235]

​@@jessicastevens538 Due to Trump's attorneys inexperience with this type of trial they submitted documentation that waived trial by jury. Judges aren't allowed to take away a defendants right to trial by jury. Could you cite a reputable source on what you claim?

[@seanwallace9269]

I was 50% certain the piece of paper in his pocket was just an Uno reverse card.

[@bobthegamingtaco6073]

"Your Honor, you may have told me to draw 4, but I have a reverse card"

[@davidmcgill1000]

It was a trump card.

[@myopiczeal]

"I have this card that says, 'Nope', it's from a very well-regarded game I hear great things about, Exploding Kittens, great game, lots of people say so."

[@nottherealpaulsmith]

probably not far off considering he said “I didn’t commit fraud, this whole court committed fraud against ME”

[@Kevin-bl6lg]

Trump tried to enter a pardon he wrote for himself. The judge is a moron for not allowing him to use the pardon. How can the judge justify his decision?

[@flaagan]

I can't imagine the frustration the members of that courtroom must go through knowing every day they have to meticulously stick to the letter of the law and act spotlessly professional or all their efforts to nail this bag of manure to the wall will go down the drain.

[@jadonskatoff4726]

being cynical is why the majority of eligible voters in this country refuse to do so. Stay recklessly optimistic with us and we might be able to make a change man

[@ArDeeMee]

I have a lot of respect for these court members, because they seem to pull it off flawlessly.

[@cfehunter]

She didn't want Trump to answer concisely because she didn't want to limit his freedom of speech? 🤨 Freedom of speech doesn't mean you get to spout whatever you want, wherever you want, and have people listen to you. It just gives you the right to public speech without government censorship.

[@AegixDrakan]

To trump and his sycophants, they VERY much think free speech means they get to say whatever they want, whenever they want, however long they want and everyone has to not only listen, but believe them and take them seriously. And that calling them out for lying is censorship. We've seen this entire rigamarole play out multiple times. :(

[@yossarian00]

Wish more people understood this.

[@Toonrick12]

Freedom of speech, not freedom from consequences.

[@belladonnatook8851]

Freedom of *responsible* speech. You can't just shout a lie of "FIRE!" in a crowded theatre & think there should be no consequences!

[@fulomtheavali]

​@@belladonnatook8851Didn't Legal Eagle make a video specifically about the fire myth?

[@jamesstepp1925]

You do a very good job explaining everything. Having a legal professional going over these issues is priceless as a voter. When I see Trump and his people misrepresent things about the court to his followers who are not bothering to get this professional analysis I trust him in office less and less. Ethics and morality matter as an old school conservative like me.

[@maryeckel9682]

Makes you miss a guy like Ike.

[@PunchyCloud7]

He just wants an excuse to say “Look! I have a document that will clear name and they’re silencing me!” His people will believe him like they always do

[@Chunda8]

No Mr. Trump, this court cannot accept your "Get Out Of Jail Free" card. You can put it back along with the rest of the Monopoly pretend money.

[@TheSkyheart5]

How many times have his people said they have the smoking gun proving election fraud only to come up empty.

[@JB52520]

This assumes he's smart enough to anticipate that outcome. He's so privileged he's mentally compromised, and people fall in line around him as with any other cult leader. It's more likely that he thought he outsmarted the legal system with his disclaimer, but the very unfair judge was being very mean to him like the other angry democrats.

[@leigha2814]

​@@JB52520I'd hope that liberals would have finally stopped underestimating trump after they did it the first time and got him elected but 🤦‍♀️

[@mr.x2567]

@@leigha2814Both sides are equally incompetent because they’re only human, same with our politicians, our CEOs, our organization leaders. The problem with society is that it is run by humans.

[@Xenobears]

The smartest thing Trump could have done would have been to not take the stand… So, of course, he did the exact opposite thing.

[@NioXoiN]

He usually doesn't take the stand for that reason lol

[@icin4d]

I think in a civil case you can be compelled to take the stand. Criminal case, nope - see 5th A.

[@CakeofWisdom]

You know Trump can't keep quiet to save his life.

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: Hitler - Jews unsafe to German Values,Identity If Politicians - Muslims unsafe to Western Values,Identity Straight out of Hitlers playbook,no?

[@Tinandel]

He’s not trying to win the case. He doesn’t care about the case; it literally isn’t important. He’s using the opportunity to mug for the cameras.

[@jss27560]

This is a prime example of why many people have lost trust and faith in the legal system. Does anyone actually believe that any other defendant in a civil or criminal trial would get away with anything close to what Trump has gotten away with?

[@odesseus]

Trump has gotten away with legal malfeasance for *decades*. He's played on the privilege of being rich and white and willing to spend half his money suing people and attempting to get his grievances seen by the (now potentially sympathetic) Supreme Court

[@brodriguez11000]

The bigger the nail, the bigger the hammer.

[@bibsp3556]

He's not got away with it yet

[@jss27560]

@@bibsp3556 away with a lot more than any other defendant civil war criminal and how he addresses the judge or threatens the judge or touching the DA he's gotten away with a lot more than anyone else would have

[@bibsp3556]

@@jss27560 yes and no. It's not like Bush even saw a courtroom. He only "gets away with it" so much, and the chickens might be coming in to roost now. He's been in court more than anyone

[@uberfu]

If this was literally anyone else in the country they would be held in contempt 5 times over and tossed into jail until the point got across to that person. Why TF are all of these judges coddling Trump and allowing him so much leeway.

[@Chaoktarukto]

No one wants to be responsible for Trump in jail. Not even Trump.

[@Steve-wf3vv]

If this were literally anyone else in the country, they wouldn’t be in court anyway.

[@the_undead]

If this was anyone else they would have been in jail and this wouldn't be happening, but Trump has so much money that he can just bribe his way out, I honestly hope he stays out of jail for at least another years so that people start talking about it and maybe they'll realize that it's a really just corruption and nothing else

[@leenglishman1605]

If he goes to Jail for contempt, the optics will be terrible and Trump camp can (and will) make it out to be a crooked triel etc etc etc....Judge is playing Chess on this one and doing well - the final judgement will be a hammer blow.

[@Delvien]

Got to have justification for contempt, responding to what you're asked and not saying what the prosecution wants to hear is not contempt. It's up to the prosecution to control their witness, they did not, that's their problem.

[@Imperial-Socialist]

I can't believe even Trump would be dumb enough to use " I lied" as an actual defense of lying .

[@judipierry549]

Why?

[@sanc3375]

You haven't played a Phoenix wright game 😅

[@jb888888888]

It's the WWE Eddy Guerrero defense: "I lie! I cheat! I steal! But at least I'm honest about it."

[@jaybleu6169]

To be fair, he's saying "I told them I was lying" as a defense of actual lying. It's kinda like calling the police department and telling them you're at a bar and you're about to drive home drunk, then being perplexed that you got a DWI.

[@areafurrynone1913]

You must not know Trump then

[@Shinius]

"What about my free speech?" You're not allowed to do and say whatever the heck you want, whenever the heck you want, during a trial... This is like a child demanding their free speech while screaming non-stop during a teacher's lesson...

[@esrl447-i6j]

Great analogy.

[@rehaanphansalkar4187]

Judge should have said "Leave the courtroom and exercise your free speech.

[@MrSpeedysam60]

Trump's disclaimers are the financial equivalent to saying "No copyright infringement intended."

[@bruceluiz]

"This isnt legally a financial advise, but I know this project that..."

[@AsbestosMuffins]

I absolutely love how when asked about mara-largo he basically described hypothetically committing another fraud when on trial for committing fraud

[@brucecampbell6578]

My property tax valuation is less than 50 percent of the market price. Tell me that I am different. Obviously most of the critics in this thread have never been home owners. Nor have they ever applied for a loan based on their real estate equities. If we are forced to pay taxes based upon the current housing market about 50 percent of us wouldn't be able to afford our living space. Retired people in particular would be utterly devastated. To say such selective prosecution bodes ill for all of us.

[@rorycannon7295]

@brucecampbell if it was only 50% trump wouldn’t be on trial right now

[@brucecampbell6578]

@@rorycannon7295 If Trump is found guilty of overvaluing property for the sake of a new loan it sets a bad precedent for all stakeholders. Especially since the only victim in this case is Donald Trump. The ultimate winner will be the tax collecting authority. May your own house be valued at current market prices for tax purposes or may you be restricted to selling your own house according to tax records. Trump is operating according to industry standards as certified by his accountants. This is about politics and smearing the opposition. No victim. No crime.

[@Gunkle_Jeb]

⁠@@brucecampbell6578 did you turn your house into a golf club to reduce your property taxes by 90% too?!

[@brucecampbell6578]

@@Gunkle_Jeb You are funny. I never thought of that. Still that is not what Trump is being tried for.

[@mkvenner2]

His attorneys assuming that they are going to paid is hilarious.

[@lukemccann8930]

At least one of them actually works for some right wing group so I wouldn't be surprised if the whole groups actual view of it is more of an audition to show how hard they will fight for "the cause".

[@skaetur1]

💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸

[@giannaleng1897]

Watch them sue him for unpaid fees in a couple months 😂

[@lillysmith6123]

If they aren't getting paid in advance then they're exactly the sort of chump that Trump loves.

[@NealBurkard-ut1oo]

​@@giannaleng1897 he'll be seeing them back for inadequate defense lol

[@N17C1]

He literally explained that he fudged the value of the property to reduce how much he pays in tax. But then said it's worth more to a bank. So, he's either lying to the bank or lying to the IRS. Either way, he's done. They don't mess about with legal cases.

[@galenibble]

Why either? I'm quite sure he was lying to both of the IRS and the banks.

[@debbiethomas2622]

​@@galenibble And probably playing 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to see who will get to take the Megatron shark bite out of him first.

[@leadpaintchips9461]

Nah, with his cult following I'm pretty sure he's going to get away with lying.

[@Strype13]

Judge: "What do you mean a property's value inflates over time? What does that have to do with anything?" Trump: "My property may have been appraised at $200 million right now, but in 2063 it will be worth $2.8 billion... so obviously it's worth $2.8 billion, and that's exactly what I wrote down. You idiots just don't understand the real estate market like I do. We must stop this political witch hunt!"

[@IceWolfLoki]

@@galenibble OK he was lying to at least one of them so is done regardless.

[@ichijofestival2576]

Only two minutes in and hoping he'll address why "Contempt of Court" seems to be a thing that only applies to us lowly plebeians.

[@bobthegamingtaco6073]

Doesn't wanna slow down proceedings to explain to Trump that he can't be an asshole. It doesn't work and it eats up time that we don't have, so we put up with it to get him behind bars faster

[@TheErnie1964]

You don't get to see the use of the word plebeian often enough.lol😊it vexes me .😂

[@hanspecans]

We’d be in jail. The court system is just a game for them.

[@FlameDarkfire]

short answer: you don't have a media apparatus that's going to turn a third of the country against the judge if he finds you in contempt.

[@disnark]

Most rules only apply to us plebeians.

[@attilamagyar91]

I love that their public defence is always about "they are misusing taxpayer money"

[@jeanneganrude8549]

😂 They think that’s going make taxpayers outraged, but we’re all outaged by his financial manipulation which certainly cheated others out of securing loans etc.

[@gaigetucker6242]

right? I'm sitting here thinking "man this guy accused of fraud looking like a fool lived off my tax money" is all I can think when they argue that. Like we know how much money he got back from the gov during his presidency. Im more peeved about that than the court doing court things

[@cgme9535]

Trump is a demagogue. It’s how he got into office, and it’s basically his only way of winning public opinion. He just uses common opinions and beliefs to try to side with the general public. “Hey! Political systems misuse your money. Amiright, general public?” General public: Yeah, that’s right! We do commonly think that! That’s what he does and it works.

[@steverolfeca]

Trumps lawyer doesn't tolerate people yelling and slamming desks? Oh, please. Then she should never have become a trial lawyer...

[@Saul_Atreides]

I don't understand how they tolerate their employer then...

[@Rawnblade13]

They're big whiny babies like their client.

[@FrancisR420]

"She slammed the table with a little hammer and said guilty, I don't take that disrespect in my house"

[@blackjesus947]

Isn't that all lawyers do? Slam their desks and say objection?

[@lostsoulband1]

Not "people" she's talking about the JUDGE in his own courtroom.

[@illinoisviolet1532]

THE DISCLAIMER IS FOR THE ACCOUNTING FIRM Not the management. I cannot express how frustrated it makes me that they keep trying to insist it counts for them too.

[@xxcelr8rs]

No victim. They all made money. Wouldn't allow bankers to testify!!!

[@debbiethomas2622]

​@@xxcelr8rs maybe not directly in this case but whose to say they don't have their own individual or class action lawsuit waiting in the wings.

[@debbiethomas2622]

Accounting firms do have laws and regulations they have to abide by. Besides, they can only go by the information that is provided to them, unless they are warranted to do an investigation, which by his admission, they didn't need to do, so it falls back into your lap, there Donny, on providing accurate information.

[@xxcelr8rs]

@@debbiethomas2622 Cuz they don't. Explain a real estate situation pre 2016 and why besides politics of deranged hate and headlines they could bring? Banks do due diligence, or the go broke, get fired. This DA and judge with no jury are a disgrace to legal system. They cause people to lose faith in Just us democrats system.

[@sneakerbabeful]

​​@@xxcelr8rsThat is _not_ what this case is about, at all.

[@nottiification]

I think its funny how crooks suddenly become so concerned about taxpayer money being wasted on court cases as soon as they see their name on the docket.

[@SpawnRevenge92]

Ah, yes. Arguing with the judge while on the stand. Always a smart move.

[@Ludercia]

That move alone made me really question what kind of person Trump really is. That’s common sense not to argue with an individual who has the power to determine your future.

[@SpawnRevenge92]

@@Ludercia Yeah, impulse control isn't his thing.

[@Elasinthe]

@@Ludercia He has been so privledged his entire life, and legitimately believes he is a god. that he is untouchable. In his mind, the judge is a little man who can't do anything to him. he needs jail time. Even then I don't think his delusions will lessen.

[@jimbo92107]

If you think Trump made the court a clown show now, imagine what a clown show he'd make if he caught a whiff of TV cameras. Same with Habba, who should spend a few days in the county jail contemplating why an attorney should not treat a judge with contempt.

[@rudetoy8264]

That’s patriot and red blood American spoken!

[@billyjoejimbob75]

Makes me think of that family court judge that was beating the crap out of his daughter at home. She caught him on video. He sounds like somebody that should be treated with contempt.

[@lloydmckay3241]

If he accelerated his acting up to play to the camera, I can't see that going well for him as he would pump up serious contempt of court in no time. We will have to see where fate takes this man. I can't see it getting better for him as he is determined to be a big loser in the long run. Crazy guy.

[@ianegan]

If she was sited with contempt and taken to jail for a couple of days would they have to delay the trial? It's all just "sound bites" to get played on Fox later in the day at this point isn't it? Since, all the fraud has been proven and it's just about punishment now right? Trumps criminality and ability to avoid consequences has become so fascinating to me it's like one of the greatest crime storie i've ever watched.

[@aircraftcarrierwo-class]

So why hasn't he been jailed for obvious contempt of court over this blatantly disrespectful behavior? You know, like what would happen to _literally anyone else_ who did this?

[@jordansweet8054]

Seriously they try to censor government attorneys for much less than his buffoonery.

[@davidchapman7350]

Because Trump is being held to a different standard after all, just like him and his followers claimed - his too wealthy to jail. This is America, after all, and only poor people are held in jail during trial.

[@christophervfoster]

Same reason he was "punished" with a fine that means nothing to him. Rich people get different laws.

[@williamhaynes7089]

they know where to find him if they want to talk to him.

[@ericaschner3283]

Because like it or not, he's not anyone else and never has been. The rich get to do whatever the f they want and live their whole lives playing the victim.

[@swampygaming2975]

My prayers go out to the judge. He’s putting his mental health and sanity on the line for us 🫡

[@mycatistypingthis5450]

Also his life. Trump's cultists are dangerous.

[@videowatchaccount7551]

@@mycatistypingthis5450 That's a whole lot projection there, Nancy.

[@tardvandecluntproductions1278]

@@videowatchaccount7551 Forgot about Jan 6th already?

[@TheMysteryDriver]

@@videowatchaccount7551it's all they have

[@Darkprosper]

@@videowatchaccount7551 It's not like Trump is well known for inciting hatred against his legal and political opponents time and time again.

[@kris242]

“Then why exactly am I being PAID as an attorney?” 🤣🤣 Oh man, someone desperately needs to fill her in

[@Jakromha]

"slamming a table" is the signature thing a judge does. If you don't tolerate that, you shouldn't get a job that involves court rooms.

[@pamelapeterson2987]

The thing is that the judge didn't actually do that according to others in the court room....Habba made it all up.

[@victorrutledge257]

But... But... the Judge yelled at her... just because she was acting stupid, (or maybe she's just stupid, and it's showing.)

[@kaemincha]

​@@pamelapeterson2987Someone in Trump's camp made something up? Say it ain't so!

[@PenguinLord10]

"Order! Order in the court!" he yelled at meeeeee! 😭

[@pamelapeterson2987]

@@kaeminchaLOL 나는 그게 믿기 어렵다는 것을 알지만 그는 주장했다.

[@Mercurio-Morat-Goes-Bughunting]

This reminds me of McCarthy's old trick where he'd pull a blank piece of paper out of his pocket as a tool for grandstanding. He'd then claim that the blank piece of paper he was waving around contained a list of "Communists" situated in the United States.

[@eamonwright7488]

Old tail gunner Joe got a Purple Heart slipping on the deck of a ship wearing flip flops.

[@algi1]

Wait, she complains that the judge was slamming the desk? Like… with a gavel?

[@maggie6152]

Slammin' Gavels would be a great band name...

[@Dutchman4real]

​​@@maggie6152certainly rolls off the tongue better than "the funk, the whole funk, and nothing but the funk"

[@kimberley1449]

Then she should leave drump since we know he slamming stuff daily 😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexb141]

i love how Trump's basic argument in essentially everything he does boils down to 'I have a lot of money and ppl love me. My charisma is so high that I'm above everyone'. Just amazing. If anyone else even remotely tried this, they'd probably be arrested and held in contempt of court.

[@anthonyperno1348]

Imagine a lawyer who falls apart because a judge yells at her. A child lawyer. Perfect for Trump.

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

She needs to call the whaaaambulance.

[@OnideusMadHatter]

So, to be clear, the left identifies loud noises as a form of legal reasoning.

[@Grievous_Nix]

@dustinlambert3499yeah, right, and the judge is a robot and I am an alien.

[@mikylak7983]

​@@Grievous_Nixperfect, I'll give you a $20 for beaming me up!

[@Freakazoid12345]

Orange man is bad.

[@jasminjavorina199]

I have difficulty imagining a plaintiff taking a stand and saying to the judge: "Here your honor, please look into this totally exonerating piece of paper I just pulled out of my ass!"

[@scopie49]

"Why's it all sticky? Gross."

[@h8GW]

"When you said paper, you didn't say you specifically meant a napkin!"

[@kingforaday8725]

And the judge happily ate it and said just like my wife serves at home?

[@dragonhawk00]

I'm impressed his lawyer didn't just walk out

[@zenbear9952]

He watched too many law movies and tv shows as prep for this lawsuit. In the real world the court just can't accept evidence that you didn't pass through the system first, out of nowhere because both sides, the prosecution and defense need to prepare for it

[@Bill98533]

It would be really funny if the next year property tax for the Mar a Lago property was based on a 'Trump verified and sworn in court' assessment of one point five billion rather that the current 18 million, and watch him try to appeal it.

[@sarahspiegler482]

YES! I would love that! 😆😍

[@suicune2001]

And then we'd hear him cry about it. lol

[@Delvien]

That's fine, that 18 million was the prosecutions assessment, not Trumps so it never applied to him previously and was generally higher.

[@suicune2001]

@@Delvien No, it wasn't. Trump literally filed paperwork to make it $18 million so he didn't have to pay as much in taxes. He was originally assessed higher and then he argued with the assessment to lower it. HE DID THAT HIMSELF.

[@Delvien]

@@suicune2001 No he didn't. A palm beach county assessor in 2011 apprased it at 18 million. Trump valued it at 426.5 million. The prosecution is using the tax assessors judgement from 2011. Have you been paying attention at all to this case?

[@Gabryal77]

I wonder how fast any of us would have been slammed to the courtroom floor if we were in a witness stand screaming at the judge

[@lw8882]

Honestly testifying in his own trial is the best thing he could have done. Not for him, but for everyone who doesn't want the US to turn into a dictatorship. He's his own worst enemy. He literally can't stop himself from lying.

[@miapdx503]

Yes, the last time he was under oath he pled the fifth to *every question.* His lawyer knew that if he speaks he can only incriminate himself or commit perjury. Oh please, let him talk! Last time his mouth cost him 83 million.

[@V3x0r]

Did anyone seriously think Trump could hold it together while on the stand?

[@myopiczeal]

@@TheACcam Gonna be funny to see how he runs from inside a prison. Good thing all the idiots who voted for him have no say on his guilt in civil and criminal trials.

[@Elessar0wind]

Why it should have been televised. 😂

[@dhoffnun]

There is a sizable group of people that actually believe he is a divine instrument - so, yes.

[@SeaCowsBeatLobsters]

@SusanKay It isn’t

[@etherealicer]

Watch the censored version his followers see and you will understand that all they get is. That the judge randomly dismisses a valid argument.

[@ericwilliams2546]

She isn't going to allow the judge to hit the table?... Boy, I hate to see what's going to happen when she discovers what that little hammer is for.

[@matohibiki]

I was going to correct you on that, but on second thought, I think it's giving Habba too much credit in assuming she knows what a 'gavel' is. "Gravel? No, my driveway is paved."

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

I loved how she said she "wouldn't tolerate it." Oh really? And what exactly are you gonna do about it? Oh right, you are already doing it. Putting your pretty face on TV all huffy

[@kingforaday8725]

To beat his wife and kids?

[@hierophant369]

Trump to Habahaba: "I got your gavel right here"

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

@@kingforaday8725 hey she might be into that. I don't judge. That's his job

[@DMBabyGurlAdventures]

Wouldn’t the rest of us regular citizens have been charged with contempt and removed from the courtroom and tossed in jail in the first few minutes of disrespect to the judge or any if his comments??? WOW narcissist still getting away either that mouth 🤬

[@surtu9221]

Imagine knowing your judge is your jury, and then breaking out into a rant on the stand about how he's being mean to you, yelling directly into his face. Literally every other person who comes into that court room, from people with small time drug offenses, to people facing fraud allegations from ex spouses, to outright mob bosses, knows that talking to the judge is a yes sir no sir manner, because your fate is in their hands. How Trump just doesn't know you need to respect a judge in a courtroom is... I mean it's par for the Trump golf course, but it's still bonkers from the perspective of literally everyone else. Only delusional narcissists who think they're owed something by the world/spouse/mother/tenant/whatever get up there and start arguing with the judge, and they always, always, always lose. I wish the judge was treating him like a normal joe and being strict with him; if anyone else violated a gag order this many times, they'd be in prison.

[@TheRogueWolf]

The thing is that Trump is a manchild to whom being told "no" is a mortal offense, to be met with swift and overwhelming retribution. That's why his supporters love him, because that's what they want to do to everyone who disagrees with them too.

[@darrenhemingway7121]

I think trump is trying to anger the judge deliberately, so no matter what the judgement , trump can go to appeal and say the result is biased against him.

[@AlannaStarcrossed]

Dude he tried to organize people to overthrow the government, why is anyone surprised by this? He's never cared about the law unless it was to figure out a way to exploit and manipulate more. He knows he broke the law on this, and that's why everything he does is to try to make it seem like the laws and courts themselves aren't valid, because if he takes them seriously, he's going to just lose, while also losing his base who wants to see him become a dictator

[@grouchomarxist666]

While you're absolutely correct, keep in mind that Trump is performing for his base, not the presiding judge.

[@barryg4927]

he thinks he's a mob boss and above our laws...

[@spdcrzy]

When a judge is throwing sarcasm at you, it's over before it even began.

[@panagea2007]

Trump's lawyers are hoping Engoron's sarcasm can be used against him in an appeal.

[@odesseus]

@@panagea2007 Sadly, they can't, as Devin has said. A judge is very well protected in their courtroom, and the proceedings can't be used as "evidence" for another case. No doubt Trump's incompetent and extrajudicial lawyers will try to, anyway.

[@shevek2954]

I mean, the judge ruled there was fraud even before it began.

[@bloxer9563]

@@panagea2007 lol

[@outlawruby]

@@panagea2007I doubt it will pan out well for them, especially considering Trump would 100% be broke by then.

[@psymar]

I don't think they forgot to check the box. I think they wanted a bench trial so they could then complain to the media about how unfair it was.

[@panagea2007]

I have no doubt that Trump told Habba he DIDN'T want a jury. That's why he didn't fire her for "failing" to ask for one. You'll notice he never blames her for this. Habba followed his instructions. She probably even told him that a jury would be better. It's only now he realizes he made a mistake.

[@animalia5554]

That makes way too much sense.

[@susanrobertson984]

Never assume strategy where incompetence is an equally valid explanation.

[@N1ghtR1der666]

@@susanrobertson984 yes, and this is how most conspiracy theories start

[@efulmer8675]

Regardless of whether they intentionally failed to check the jury trial box or legitimately just forgot to check the box, they seem to be getting the outcome they wanted.

[@stormthrush37]

I think by far the single most damning thing is that Trump is using big number valuations for loan purposes and small numbers for tax purposes on the same properties. That's the part I'm hoping they'll nail him on as that seems like incontrovertible evidence.

[@kingforaday8725]

And no one else does that???????

[@stormthrush37]

@@kingforaday8725 I have no idea. I hope not. Even if they did it wouldn't make it right, and leaders should be held to higher standards rather than lower ones, right?

[@korayven9255]

@@kingforaday8725 Corrupt businessmen do cook their books, but that then begs the question of why Republicans support a obviously corrupt businessman then.

[@korayven9255]

@@stormthrush37 Some do but most generally don't because even most businesspeople are not 'I am willing to blatantly commit fraud' levels of corrupt.

[@kingforaday8725]

@@stormthrush37 Seriously!!! You dont believe real estate values in a cesspool like NYC is exaggerated? And it doesnt make it right to go after just the one guy! Either go after everyone that does it or no one!

[@FlyingFox86]

"He didn't know anything about me" is such a juvenile line. Next he'll be telling the judge "you're not my real dad!".

[@monochaos9442]

Can't wait for him to cry out "It's not a phase, Judge! IT'S WHO I AM!!!!"

[@na3rial]

“I was told to follow the rules in court and I don’t like it!” - Trump’s lawyers

[@keithsextonakathebluerose]

In fifteen to twenty years, this entire story is going to be an award winning musical comedy. It writes itself, just add music. I am impressed that you caught the slight change in terminology. One simple word can change information into propaganda, and both sides use it. It's up to the individual to see it, understand it, deal with it and move on but stay aware of who puts out what kind of propaganda and at what level.

[@Chunda8]

We need to call the same crew that wrote Avenue Q. Instead of "Legally Blonde," we'll call it "Legally Dumb." Because "Clown Car Sh*tshow" is a little too long.

[@vision_is_augmented1213]

"Yoou're aaa crook, Captain Hook..."

[@nickfisher8569]

Listening to Trump’s lawyers makes me wonder how difficult the bar exam actually is

[@herpderpinson2118]

Well, he just won one case. Guess that means they're pretty good.

[@ScarlettCatte]

@@herpderpinson2118 He did not just win the case lmao.

[@herpderpinson2118]

@ScarlettCatte not this one specifically. Just determining if he can't run for office. That said, he lost two earlier today, I heard, one that determines whether he can be sued for January 6th and another that I haven't looked into yet.

[@ScarlettCatte]

@@herpderpinson2118 He didn't win that case either lmao.

[@ne1butme]

It doesn't matter if it goes well. He's playing to the his base and the more he can upset the Judge, the more he can say "See, he's biased"

[@eleanorwittering3126]

That's what he's doing. Trying to try his case(s) in the *court-of-ignorant public opinion,* but he's in a real court now and the whole nation (if not the whole world) is watching. I think our legal system is strong enough to prevail and take this buffoon down!

[@ianb9028]

The twice impeached traitor has also found someone who will not be a simpering yes man in his presence. It is possibly the first time in his life he has met such a person.

[@Puzzles-Pins]

​@eleanorwittering3126 If he manages to get elected it won't matter. He'll pardon himself of all federal charges. How far he's willing to abuse the position's power after that to deal with state charges and his political and legal enemies, I don't want to find out.

[@Joe90h]

@@Puzzles-Pins I really hope all these legal loopholes get closed up in the next decade. It's absurd that a president elect could, theoretically, commit any number of federal crimes right before he's sweared into office and then say "Didn't happen, no takesy backsies"

[@triopsate3]

@@Puzzles-Pins The problem is that he has an unfortunately high chance of actually pulling off the election in 2024 and then we'd end up learning first hand how far a wannabe dictator can push the presidential position and frankly, it's probably pretty damn far. Granted, I always figured the US would probably croak the same way the USSR did in like 30-40 years but if Drumph gets elected again, I doubt we'd survive 4.

[@Buckleup-x9r]

In America, it's easier to convict a poor man who's innocent than convict a rich man who's guilty.

[@AegixDrakan]

YUUUUUP.

[@kimberley1449]

He has already been found guilty of fraud. Remember this is about money now!!😂😂😂

[@Tinandel]

That’s true but also hardly unique to Trump. Also, you might want to amend it from ‘rich’ to just ‘powerful.’ You don’t have to be rich if you’re well-connected. Also, that’s basically… every country. Not just the US.

[@Brasswatchman]

You're not wrong.

[@Brasswatchman]

​@@Tinandel Wealth and power do tend to be connected, though, don't they? Especially here in the US.

[@bobagorof]

She asks why she is being paid as an attorney. That is a very good question.

[@utility63]

She thinks she's going to get paid. "Bless her heart."

[@CubicIronPyrite]

She won't be paid.

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

Trump lawyers tend to not get paid. But they do tend to get sanctions, disbarred, investigated, imprisoned etc etc.. nothing good comes of it.

[@debbiethomas2622]

The 'pied piper' song of having prestige and money of making this 'perceived' corpse plant (how big, important if not vital to everything he is, his deeds not withstanding) come out smelling like a rose 🌹 by correcting all the wrongs against him.

[@msaintpc]

Lol, it's said that Trump doesn't pay his attorneys but instead tells them "Sue Me, I'll tie your poor a** up in court so long, you'll go broke, lose your house and your wife". That's how Trump plays the game. So she should instead be asking how she's gonna get paid.

[@hehawkiller]

The problem here is, trump is not used to having people talk back to him or hold him accountable. His whole life has been a rich kids life. His bad dealings are always wiped clean, and his daddy bailed him out many times! The amount of failed ventures should have been alarming to people, but because he has no filter, people like him. 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@eddievhfan1984]

Devin does make a great point about this being a historic trial that the public ought to witness for themselves (like this century's version of the Army-McCarthy hearings), but I also understand why the court wouldn't want it televised. When the defense is primarily relying on sidechain attacks on the judicial process (social media posts, press statements, etc.), you don't want to turn the courtroom into a circus by giving your media-hungry defendant an audience to play up to.

[@AegixDrakan]

Yeah, makes sense. But the problem is, they're going to do it either way, and without video, it's harder to prove that what they're saying is conclusively not true. :s Not that it matters to his voter base. He could commit crimes on live TV, then say it wasn't him while still in the act, and the people who literally witnessed it would believe he didn't do it.

[@Tinandel]

It’s… not really historic. This is politics in a nutshell.

[@TheMysteryDriver]

You don't want everyone to be able to see a sham trial, really it should be up to the defendant to have their trials public or not

[@13shadowwolf]

I assume they are recording everything, and will release footage when it becomes relevant; and more when the trial is over.

[@13shadowwolf]

​@@TheMysteryDriverNope, it's 100% the Judges Courtroom. The vast majority of the general public, has no idea what's going on. Putting the con-man Trump on the air, to just spew out more lies and nonsense, is the last thing that should happen. The Defendant does not control the Judicial Process, the reason for this, is exactly to stop Scumbags like Donal Trump from abusing the system by lies and manipulation. The public does NOT have a right to know everything as soon as it happens, we can all wait until the trial is over. This is not reality TV, it's not an entertainment program.

[@theaikidoka]

A lawyer saying they won't tolerate being shouted at by a judge has the same energy as a child complaining that their parent raised their voice, and the same likelihood of success. Yes, some judges are arrogant jerks, but you know what? It's their courtroom, they get to be jerks. Most are professional and if they are shouting, it's because you done goofed.

[@ferrisbueller9991]

But he's not held in contempt, likely wont be.

[@HamsterPants522]

I just find it so insane. I may have my own distaste for things about the legal system, and I'm sure everybody does at some point or other, but this judge is simply trying to determine whether or not the defendant is guilty of committing a specific crime. For the defense to be so brazenly resistant to cooperation only reinforces the idea that the defendant is guilty rather than innocent. And not just guilty, but shamelessly so.

[@kome360]

It depends. But here, the judge, jury, and all of America have had to put up with this whiny brat for eight years and were ordered by their bosses to stay silent. This disciplining was long overdue.

[@twistanturnu529]

Judges hate him! Get out of jail with his one weird trick... *pulls random paper out*

[@Insertia_Nameia]

No *pulls already dismissed into irrelevancy, paper out*

[@tristanbowles7258]

Pulls out monopoly get out of jail free card

[@KillerQueensRyche]

made me think of Ron Swanson with his "permit"

[@lazykbys]

Isn't a lawyer supposed to limit their client's speech so they don't say something disadvantageous? Isn't that the whole point of having a lawyer around when testifying? My head hurts.

[@yamahkogribbis6212]

Hes never really talking to the judge, he is speaking only to his followers. They will see a judge "treating him unfairly" and use it as justification when he demands their violence.

[@sir_vix]

Exactly, this whole thing seems like they are laying the groundwork for a victim narrative to justify some kind of violent revolt (if they lose the election) or retributive dismantling of the justice system (if they win). Making out the prosecution of their illicit activities as evidence of 'the system' trying to silence them rather than hold them to account, and the sheer volume of cases against him as evidence of their desperation, rather than the massive extent of his 'alleged' misdeeds.

[@Azuria969]

that judge is dead man walking, he is done for

[@CliffPerkins-f6z]

Justification is exactly the Word used to condemn these worker's of Lawlessness to their date with destiny

[@JB52520]

​@@Azuria969 That's literally insane. The judge is holding Trump to the same standards as a normal criminal, rather than kissing his ass so his trashy cult doesn't have a temper tantrum. Last I heard they were going to "hang Mike Pence" and take over the government. That didn't work out well for them.

[@lyndsaybrown8471]

As a former public accountant, our statements of work and transmittal letters would always include a section that the product provided relied upon financial information provided by the client. So, pointing to the Disclaimer is really pointing that these financials are wrong because if what you provided and you didn't pay someone to test if they were correct. A bank allowing you to provide unaudited financials is not a bank giving you a free pass to commit fraud.

[@PolarWolarBear]

That poor attorney thinks she's going to be the one who finally gets paid

[@blaze556922]

She's doing it all for fame. That's why she takes every single interview offered to her.

[@mikevignola4213]

Actually due to his track record of not playing his current attorneys demanded to get paid up front. I don't know why he bothers hiring attorneys anyway when he doesn't listen to thier advice.

[@Strype13]

No doubt, lol. The fact that almost every attorney he hires is an inexperienced, albeit attractive female in their early 20s would actually be pretty hilarious if it wasn't making such an absolute f*cking mockery out of our justice system.

[@vetinaris1297]

He's not paying her out of his own funds. The PAC is paying her and so far she has actually received $1.5m. So long as donations continue she will be paid...unlike other defendents lawyers who aren't paid by the PAC or Trump, bar 1 or 2 employees at Mar A Rico sorry Lago.

[@mikevignola4213]

@Strype13 some of them had to leave thier firms so they don't damage thier reputation with losing many very publoc cases.

[@GoodLizardlicks]

"...Slamming the table" Does. Does she mean using the gavel? The thing that it's there for??

[@paulahik211]

Good question Why does trump get to use campaign money for his private legal issues? By the way, that lawyer did stumble over "Why am i getting paid..." Kind of like she remembered she wont get paid.

[@robertmiller9735]

The corporations have spent the last 45+ years hunting down and eliminating campaign finance laws, so they can buy elections. By now it's very nearly "do what you like".

[@atraxisdarkstar]

Trump's lawyers were at least smart about one thing: they made him pay up front.

[@legraude7110]

Regarding paying Mrs. Habba, I have to agree with Donald Trump and yet, God, it hurts to agree with him on anything. In view of everything she has said on television, in press conferences, written in the various trials in which she has been involved as a lawyer, I think she deserves to be called the worst lawyer in the United States. Who would want to pay her even a dime for such lousy work?

[@chrisl4999]

@@legraude7110maybe she really just works for tips?

[@kjjoin]

I love that Trump is so crooked that he writes a clause into his own documents to say that he's a liar and can't be held responsible for lying about his own business.

[@taoofjester4113]

I love that you think Trump is smart enough to write anything into a contract. That cause is boilerplate. The majority of legal documents dealing with real estate has a clause like that. It doesn't mean a person can commit fraud or lie, but it is in there.

[@LarsonPetty]

He's so crooked that when he dies, they will have to screw him into the ground.

[@shevek2954]

He should have the same disclaimer in his political ads.

[@jfbeam]

@@taoofjester4113 "boilerplate" indeed! Even the bank's forms have that clause in them. The values haven't been audited, so they're taken on "good faith". Of course, NOTHING Trump has ever said can be taken on good faith.

[@HuggyBearHikes]

Just like CNN has a disclaimer at the bottom of the screen evertime Trump is on TV giving a speech lol

[@TuberoseKisser]

Can we please praise the Judge though? They're not treating Trump like the former president they're treating him like a person on trial.

[@GZilla311]

I don’t think it should be praised that someone does their job as intended. That should be the baseline.

[@jewels3400]

​@@GZilla311at this point, we should praise them

[@NioXoiN]

Most do. Why do you think he hasn't won any

[@icin4d]

Tdump is still getting privilege in this court. Try yelling and arguing with a judge and see what happens.

[@suspectxxxl2980]

Honestly at this point, anyone who is not being corrupt needs at least a few claps.@@GZilla311

[@aquaticborealis4877]

There’s no way anyone else could behave like this in court without being hauled away

[@bikebudha01]

'Why exactly am I being paid as an attorney?" I thought she knew, she's the leading candidate to replace Melania..

[@teenawillis682]

Her and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

[@louisinjoliet8546]

Oooh!! No U dinnit!

[@jamespryor5967]

The surprising part is that she's being paid.

[@MeinGottHatDenLangsten]

if only she had the self-awareness to recognize that anyone who has witnessed her "legal practice" wonders exactly the same thing, she might be on to something. if only. (also, is there any evidence that Alina Habba has EVER been paid for legal services by Trump? part of the reason that guy can't get competent legal representation is his history of just not paying people for their services, although "repeatedly admitting criminal activity to large audiences" and "being so incapable of honesty that any decent attorney would conclude that putting him on the witness stand = suborning perjury" probably haven't helped much)

[@meghanhenderson6682]

@@jamespryor5967 She *thinks* she's being paid...apparently having the memories of a goldfish and the pattern recognition of a toddler.

[@moknbyrd]

Amazing how #45 can act like this in a court and nothing happens. Where as, if any other lowly citizen had acted anywhere close to this, we would probably have been charged with contempt or at least been escorted out until we learned how to act in court. This whole thing is a joke.

[@lackofcheese344]

Probably giving him tons of leniency so he can't appeal that he's being unfairly punished or whatever. Cause that'll be the first thing he says in an appeal, the judge was out to get him, and it can be clearly demonstrated he was given a hundred chances to behave.

[@EsteemedReptile]

You're right, but try to think of it this way; Never interrupt your opponent while they're making a mistake.

[@MilesL.auto-train4013]

@@EsteemedReptile Ooooooooooooooh _yes_

[@kingforaday8725]

Yep and aint a damn thing you can do about it!!!!! Hahahahahahaha

[@bibsp3556]

He hasn't got away with much, he's been fined for contempt and will probably get thumped by this. Financially at least

[@robertrappaport3610]

It’s such BS how much he gets away with. Any other witness acting like this would be held in contempt. And the fact that every gag order gets out on hold pending appeals means no one at all can hold this moldy creamsicle accountable without three times the effort.

[@odesseus]

Be rich and white and male. You can get away with so many things.

[@shevek2954]

I think he's trying to provoke the judge in order to win on appeal. Also, to get media attention. Any publicity is good publicity nowadays.

[@dunjunart]

"Why am I being paid as a lawyer?" Ma'am, *we don't know*.

[@subroy7123]

She's not being paid. This is Trump, after all.

[@judithbradford9130]

The funniest thing Habba said was that she was getting paid as an attorney.

[@FullMoonOctober]

I get the feeling that Trump's trial lawyers don't really trial all that much.

[@sethkrueger9294]

In respect to Trump's lawyers, it appears the "trial" is in reference to their status as legal counsel, not their profession.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

What gave it away

[@crashlight54]

They trial plenty, just more often as defendants than as lawyers

[@coryzilligen790]

I don't know if it was intentional, but I read that as wordplay on "don't really try all that much," and got a laugh out of it. 😄

[@MaxxJagX]

At this rate, I think Trump's lawyers should just enter a plea of insanity.

[@Kikabopom]

they can't, because he's a "Stable Genius"

[@drusmith6463]

... his parents did....

[@macgonzo]

Because Trump is driving them crazy? 😂😂😂

[@kurtwpg]

Could be handy elsewhere. Current insanity is not a defense against liability that spans years.

[@Colopty]

For Trump or themselves?