Trump fraud trial to reconvene in January for closing arguments

Former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York will break until Jan. 11, when the parties will reconvene to deliver closing arguments, Politico reported.

The break means a decision will likely come amid the Iowa Caucus on Jan. 15, the first nominating contest in the Republican primary, which could adversely impact the former president's frontrunner status in the event of an unfavorable decision.

James has alleged that Trump for years manipulated the value of his assets to secure favorable loan terms and lower insurance premiums. She is seeking $250 million in damages and an order barring Trump for serving as an officer in a New York-based firm. Prior to the trial's start, Engoron ruled in summary judgement that Trump did commit fraud.

The 11-week proceedings have seen Trump and his attorneys repeatedly spar with Judge Arthur Engoron, who imposed multiple gag orders against them to prevent their discussion of his court staff. The trial did not include a jury, meaning Engoron alone will issue the decision.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.