Trump plans on making closing argument in fraud trial

Donald Trump plans to make his own closing argument in his civil fraud trial in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday, according to reports.

The former president’s lawyers will deliver their closing as is customary, but Trump voiced his desire to add his own statements at the conclusion of the case brought against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James, two people familiar with the plan told the Associated Press.

Judge Arthur Engoron approved the unusual request, which was relayed to him by Trump’s lawyers earlier this week, the sources told AP.

Despite the sign-off, Trump could still change his mind and let his lawyers do all the talking to wrap up the months-long trial.

When Trump was slated to testify a second time as a witness in December, he called it off the day before because he had “nothing more to say.”

The Post has sought comment from Trump’s legal team.

ABC News was first to report Trump’s closing argument plan.

The ex-president is being accused by James of inflating his net worth by billions of dollars on financial statements to save money on business loans and insurance.

James initially sought $250 million against Trump, but last Friday state lawyers requested an increased fine of more than $370 million, according to court papers.

The 45th president has consistently denied all wrongdoing, instead blasting James and the judge countless times.

He erupted in court in November when he testified. The tirade spiraled so out of control Engoran threatened to boot Trump from the witness stand.

Trump has also complained outside of the courtroom and over his social media platform Truth Social.

He’s called the case a “hoax” and the proceedings “a pathetic excuse for a trail.”

The AG’s office has accused Trump, his business and some of his top execs of defrauding banks and insurers by overvaluing his assets, including Trump Tower in New York City and Mar-a-Lago in Florida where he now lives.

The larger figures resulted in Trump clinching more favorable rates while insurers and lenders didn’t get the information they needed to properly crunch the numbers, the AG’s Office contends.

Trump’s team has argued he upheld the deals he made and paid back the loans he received. He also provided financial statements that were clearly unaudited estimates that recipients should have reviewed for themselves, his lawyers claim.

The net worth amounts he provided were too low, not too high, his lawyers also said while insisting any overstatements were minor errors.  

Judge Engoron has said he expected to reach a verdict by the end of the month. 

With Post wires