In a significant development in the New York civil fraud trial of Donald Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron has ordered attorneys to provide details regarding potential perjury by former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg. This order comes after reports surfaced that Weisselberg is in talks with Manhattan prosecutors to admit to perjury as part of a plea deal, according to The New York Times.

Judge Engoron's email to the attorneys, which was made public on Tuesday, emphasized that if Weisselberg had lied under oath, his entire testimony, both in court and to investigators, could be disregarded. The judge cited the New York Times report, which revealed that Weisselberg is negotiating a plea deal with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, requiring him to plead guilty to perjury committed during his testimony at Trump's fraud trial.

The Times report also indicated that Weisselberg, aged 76, would be required to admit to lying under oath during an interview with the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accuses Trump, his two adult sons, his company, and the top executives of fraudulently inflating Trump's net worth. This alleged inflation was intended to gain more favorable loan terms and tax breaks, as per James' civil lawsuit, which serves as the basis for the ongoing trial.

Furthermore, Judge Engoron has already ruled the co-defendants liable for fraud, and the trial aims to determine penalties and address other claims of wrongdoing presented in James' lawsuit. This latest development regarding Weisselberg's potential perjury adds further complexity to the case.

Engoron's email expressed his desire to ascertain whether Weisselberg is changing his testimony and admitting to lying under oath, stating, "As the presiding magistrate, the trier of fact, and the judge of credibility, I of course want to know whether Mr. Weisselberg is now changing his tune, and whether he is admitting he lied under oath in my courtroom at this trial."

The judge also highlighted that other aspects of Weisselberg's testimony might be called into question, raising doubts about his credibility in the trial. Engoron emphasized that he does not want to overlook any details in a case of such magnitude.

In response to these developments, the judge has ordered attorneys for Trump, his co-defendants, and the AG's office to submit a letter by Wednesday detailing any knowledge they may have about Weisselberg's potential perjury, respecting professional ethics and obligations. Engoron also requested their input on how to address this matter, including the timing of the final decision.

As of now, lawyers representing Weisselberg and the other defendants are yet to provide any comment. Similarly, there has been no response from spokespersons for Attorney General Letitia James and the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

Engoron, who presided over the trial without a jury, is expected to deliver his verdict in the coming weeks. As the investigation into Weisselberg's possible perjury unfolds, the outcome of the trial will likely hinge on the judge's determination of credibility and the veracity of the evidence presented.