NEW YORK: Former US president Donald Trump repeatedly clashed with a judge as he defended his family’s business during testimony in a civil fraud trial in New York.
During almost four hours on the witness stand, the former president contested claims that he deceived banks and aired grievances with the case. The judge has already ruled that the Trump Organization committed fraud and the continuing trial will determine the penalties. Prosecutors are seeking a $250m (£202m) fine and severe business restrictions.
During his highly-anticipated appearance at a Manhattan federal courthouse Monday, Trump, 77, was asked about the value of various properties including his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower in New York and his golf course in Scotland.
New York Attorney General Letitia James spearheads the case, accusing Trump, his sons Eric and Donald Jr., and other high-ranking Trump Organization executives of manipulating company assets for their own gain. These are allegations that the defendants vigorously deny.
During his extensive four-hour testimony, Donald Trump’s presence electrified the courtroom as he vehemently contested the accusations. He argued that the financial statements under scrutiny were cautiously estimated and defended the pivotal role of his personal brand in enhancing property values. He claimed that this crucial factor was not fully accounted for in the financial records.
The trial proceedings were marked by intense exchanges, with Judge Arthur Engoron expressing his impatience at times due to Trump’s lengthy responses and propensity for digressing into impassioned speeches. Judge Engoron wields significant power in determining the trial’s outcome, including the possibility of imposing substantial fines and business restrictions on the defendants if found guilty.
Debates among legal experts abound concerning whether Trump’s combative stance during his testimony was a calculated legal strategy or an opportunity for political campaigning. The trial’s verdict will have far-reaching implications for both Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. Additionally, the anticipated testimony of Ivanka Trump, the former president’s daughter, adds a layer of intricacy to this already multifaceted legal case.
This civil fraud trial in New York is just one of several legal challenges that Donald Trump faces, including four criminal indictments. These indictments span a wide range of allegations, from attempting to overturn the 2020 election results to mishandling classified documents and alleged false accounting tied to hush money. These legal battles collectively mark a pivotal chapter in Trump’s post-presidential life.
