Former President Donald Trump, facing off against New York Attorney General Letitia James in a civil fraud trial, plans to take an unorthodox step: delivering his own closing argument alongside his legal team. This highly unusual move comes as the trial nears its conclusion, with both sides aiming to sway Judge Arthur Engoron in their favor.

James alleges Trump inflated his net worth by billions of dollars in financial statements, securing favorable loans and insurance through deception. Trump staunchly denies any wrongdoing, calling the case a “hoax” and launching verbal attacks on the judge and attorney general. He has already testified for a day, but this latest decision to personally address the court marks a new level of personal involvement.

While defendants often represent themselves, it’s uncommon for those with legal representation to do so, especially someone like Trump with no legal background. The move raises questions about his strategy and potential risks. Delivering a compelling closing argument requires skill and nuance, something Trump’s fiery and often combative style might not readily provide.

In court, James’ office paints a picture of a deliberate scheme to deceive banks and insurers. They claim Trump inflated the values of assets like Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago, securing better deals while exposing lenders and insurers to increased risk. They seek penalties totaling $370 million and a ban on Trump’s business operations in New York.

The defense counters that Trump met all loan obligations and his net worth estimates were clearly marked as unaudited, expecting recipients to do their own due diligence. They argue any discrepancies were minor and unrelated to loan approvals. They emphasize the sophisticated nature of the lenders involved, suggesting they could handle any miscalculations.

With closing arguments approaching, the stakes are high for both sides. Judge Engoron has already ruled that Trump engaged in fraud, although an appeals court froze his order to place certain assets under a receiver. Now, Engoron will weigh the remaining claims and deliver a verdict, potentially by the end of January. Whether Trump’s decision to take center stage proves a strategic masterstroke or a risky misstep remains to be seen, but it adds a dramatic twist to an already captivating legal battle.