Judge Demands Apology After Trump Lawyer Suggests Prosecutor Should Work for Vladimir Putin Because ‘That’s Where He Belongs’

(Shannon Stapleton/Pool Photo via AP)

Judge Arthur Engoron rebuked one of former President Donald Trump’s lawyers in court on Thursday over the suggestion that one of the attorneys prosecuting New York’s fraud case against Trump should work for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Early on Thursday afternoon, Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise told Assistant Attorney General Andy Amer that he should “check the internet” because “Vladimir Putin has some openings.”

“I suggest that Mr. Amer check the internet. Vladimir Putin has some openings. That’s where he belongs… They don’t want you to hear evidence,” said Kise, according to Erik Uebelacker of Courthouse News.

Andrew Amer of the AG’s office is arguing to exclude these experts right now.

Trump lawyer Chris Kise is livid:

“I suggest that Mr. Amer check the internet. Vladimir Putin has some openings. That’s where he belongs… They don’t want you to hear evidence.” https://t.co/G0NZOjcB8C

— Erik Uebelacker (@Uebey) November 9, 2023

The crack apparently referred to the Attorney General’s office’s efforts to prevent certain expert witnesses from testifying for the defense. Amer argued on Thursday that the prosecution should have the benefit of a “streamlined trial” because Engoron already found that Trump was civilly liable in pre-trial proceedings, per The Messenger’s Adam Klasfeld.

Engoron demanded an apology, calling the dig “totally uncalled for.”

Kise initially refused, arguing that there was “no reason” for him to apologize, but later expressed contrition after a break telling Engoron “when you’re right, you’re right,” and Amer that he was apologizing “on the record.”

We’re back.

Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise apologizes to the judge for telling AG’s counsel to consider a job with Vladimir Putin:

“When you’re right, you’re right. […] I want to apologize on the record.”

Andrew Amer says he accepts the apology.

— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) November 9, 2023

Engoron eventually ruled that he would let the defense’s witnesses testify, but not on any issues that he had already ruled on.

The episode was par for the course in what has been a contentious trial that has seen Engoron rebuke Trump and his team several times.

Last week, for example, Engoron chastised Kise for referring to his principal law clerk as a “female principal law clerk,” suggesting that misogyny might be the cause of it.

“Do not refer to my staff again… The person sitting along side me is a civil servant, doing what I ask her to do,” Engoron told Kise.

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