'Oh please do this': Internet excited as reports claim Trump might deliver closing arguments at trial

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In the ongoing civil business fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, he may take the unusual step of delivering his own closing arguments on Thursday, January 11.

Trump faces a potential fine of up to $370 million in the case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Originally seeking a $250 million fine, Attorney General James has upped the ante, accusing Trump, a Republican front-runner for president, of inflating property values, including his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, to secure favorable loan terms.

Trump's personal inclination for closing arguments

An attorney for Trump is said to have informed Judge Arthur Engoron earlier this week about the former president's desire to address the court during closing arguments. Despite the fluidity of his legal team's strategy, sources close to Trump report his determination to personally contribute to the closing arguments.

The decision to allow Trump to speak during closing arguments was approved by Judge Engoron, according to insiders who spoke to ABC News on the condition of anonymity.

Trump, who denies any wrongdoing in the fraud case, has condemned the proceedings both in the courthouse hallway and on his Truth Social platform. He dismissed the case as a 'hoax', criticized the proceedings as a 'pathetic excuse for a trial', and targeted the judge and attorney general, both Democrats.

While it's common for defendants to have attorneys deliver closing arguments, Trump's eagerness to personally address the court adds a unique twist to the proceedings. Closing arguments provide both sides with an opportunity to present their interpretation of the evidence and persuade the judge.

Trump, although not a lawyer himself, has several legal representatives. His plans for the trial have shifted previously, as evidenced by his cancellation of scheduled testimony in December.

Social media eruption

Social media buzzed with anticipation as many expressed excitement at the prospect of Trump delivering his own closing arguments.

"Can't wait!" one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Oh please do this," another reacted.

"I think he should do the entire thing," someone else added.

"Sounds ideal," a comment read.

"I don't know if there is enough popcorn in the entire world for this," another quipped.

Legal Battlefield

The trial revolves around allegations that Trump, his business, and top executives defrauded banks and insurers by inflating asset values, leading to more favorable terms. The state contends that this manipulation resulted in significant financial gains for the defendants.

In response, Trump's defense argues that he qualified for the deals legitimately, fulfilling all obligations, including loan repayments. They assert that financial statements were presented as unaudited estimates and that any overstatements were inconsequential. 

"There have been no losses to any party, as the loans here were negotiated between very sophisticated parties," Trump's lawyers Christopher Kise and Michael T. Madaio wrote in court papers. "Lenders made their own informed decisions."

The prosecution seeks $370 million in penalties, interest, and a ban on Trump doing business in New York. Judge Engoron will weigh charges of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsifying business records, with hopes for a verdict by the end of the month.

While the trial continues, an appeals court has temporarily frozen the order for a receiver to take control of some of Trump's properties, a decision previously made by Judge Engoron before the trial.