Trump's Legal Team Makes Third 'Hail Mary' Request for Directed Verdict in Fraud Trial

Despite repeated requests for dismissal, the trial continues to determine potential damages, with New York's Attorney General seeking a $250 million fine.

• Donald Trump's legal team has asked for a 'directed verdict' three times in his ongoing civil fraud trial in New York, a move that legal experts have likened to a 'Hail Mary pass'.
• The 'directed verdict' is a request for the judge to dismiss the case on the basis that the State of New York has not brought sufficient evidence to prove its case.
• Retired New York judge Carolyn E. Demarest stated that such a request is 'excessive' and 'very, very rare', and she could not recall a single instance in her 35-year tenure where she granted such a request.
• Despite these requests, the trial continues to determine how much in damages Trump is liable to pay, with New York Attorney General Letitia James asking the court to fine Trump $250 million.
• Judge Arthur Engoron has already ruled that Trump was guilty of sending fraudulent financial statements artificially inflating the value of his assets.

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