Former President Donald Trump is set to testify in his civil fraud trial again next month, after his initial testimony on November 6th. During his first stint on the witness stand, Trump vehemently denied all allegations and criticized the case, the judge, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the lawsuit. His sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, have also testified in his defense. The trial has put a spotlight on Trump’s real estate empire and his 2014 to 2021 annual “statements of financial condition,” which are at the heart of the case. Trump asserts that his wealth was understated, not overblown, on these financial statements.
The trial is currently in its second month and is deciding claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsifying business records. James is seeking over $300 million in penalties and to ban Trump from doing business in New York. Trump has also criticized James, calling her a “political hack” and accusing her of trying to hurt him for political reasons.
The second round of Trump’s testimony is expected to be more expansive, with his own lawyers leading the questioning. The trial has also shed light on the lack of comprehensive financial reports from the Trump Organization in recent years, with a company executive testifying that the company no longer produces such statements.
The trial, presided over by Judge Arthur Engoron, has already seen a pretrial ruling that Trump and other defendants engaged in fraud. The trial will now determine remaining claims and the potential penalties Trump may face. The trial has implications for Trump’s future in business in New York, as well as his political aspirations for the 2024 presidential race. An appeals court has frozen an order to take control of some of Trump’s properties for now.
Source
Photo credit www.miningjournal.net
