Insane in the membrane: Trump BANNED from speaking in his own defense in closing argument in New York fraud trial | 10 Jan 2023 | The judge in former President Donald Trump's New York fraud trial has barred him from speaking in his own defense during closing arguments later this week. The former president, 77, is a defendant in the case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. His business empire in New York is on the line, and James has asked for his business to be fined $370 million for inflating property prices to get favorable loan deals. An attorney for Trump informed Judge Arthur Engoron earlier this week that the ex-president wished to speak during the closing arguments and Engoron initially approved the plan, The Associated Press reported. Now Engoron has rescinded the move, even though Trump is still expected to appear.