Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will testify in his civil fraud trial in New York, where he is accused of inflating his net worth and assets by billions of dollars to obtain better loan and insurance terms, and tax benefits. The trial, which began on Monday, could result in hefty fines and restrictions on Trump’s business activities in the state.
Trump Says He Will Take The Stand
Trump, who appeared in court for the first two days of the trial, told reporters on Tuesday that he will take the stand “at the appropriate time” Forbes. He is on the witness lists of both his own legal team and the New York attorney general’s team, which brought the case against him. Three of his adult children, Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka Trump, are also listed as witnesses and could testify.
Trump’s attorney, Christopher Kise, said that Trump wants to defend himself in front of a jury of Manhattan residents, rather than a bench trial where only the judge decides the verdict Forbes. Kise also argued that the case is politically motivated and that the attorney general’s office has no authority to impose penalties on Trump or his businesses.
Trump Found Liable For Fraud By Judge
The trial follows a ruling by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron last week that found Trump liable for fraud CNBC. The judge said that Trump had admitted to making false statements about his net worth and assets in sworn depositions and financial statements.
The judge also rejected Trump’s claim that he had relied on professional appraisers to value his properties, saying that he had “cherry-picked” the appraisals that suited his interests and ignored others that contradicted them.
The judge’s ruling means that the trial will focus on other allegations and potential penalties. The New York attorney general’s office is asking the court to fine Trump $250 million, bar him from purchasing commercial real estate for five years and ban him and his children from leading companies in the state CNBC.
Trump Faces Multiple Legal Challenges
The New York fraud trial is one of several legal challenges that Trump is facing as he considers running for president again in 2024. He is also under criminal investigation by the Manhattan district attorney’s office for possible tax evasion, bank fraud and insurance fraud. He has denied any wrongdoing and called the investigations a “witch hunt”.
Trump is also facing lawsuits from two women who accuse him of sexual assault, as well as from the House of Representatives over his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He has also been sued by his niece, Mary Trump, who alleges that he and his siblings cheated her out of her inheritance.
The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for Trump’s political future, as well as his personal and business finances.
