BREAKING: Trump briefly allowed to speak in his own defense in New York civil trial

According to NBC News, Trump attorney Chris Kise asked Judge Arthur Engoron if Trump could have permission to speak, to which he replied, "Do you promise to comment on the facts and the law?"

Trump was able to speak for roughly five minutes before being cut off by Engoron, CNN reported.

“The facts are the financial statements are perfect, that there are no witnesses against us. The banks got all their money paid back. There were great loans," Trump said.

“This was a political witch hunt,” Trump added, saying that “we should receive damages."

“We have a situation where I’m an innocent man I’ve been persecuted by somebody running for office and I think you have to go outside the bounds.

"What’s happened here sir is a fraud on me,” Trump said. "They want to make sure that I don't win again and this is partially election interference."

In remarks to reporters outside the Manhattan court room during a recess, Trump said "this is a case that never should have ever been brought and I think we should be entitled to damages.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.