Donald Trump testified Monday in a New York court in a civil case in which he is accused of inflating the value of his assets to obtain better loan and insurance terms.
For four hours, the former president avoided direct answers and spoke about his situation and his assets. At the same time, he stated that his accusers “want to build a political career based on his case” and described the process itself as “very unfair,” “crazy,” and “interference in elections.”
When Trump again made a long political statement instead of answering “yes” or “no” as the question suggested, Judge Arthur Engoron asked the former president’s lawyer: “Can you control your client? This is not a political demonstration. “This is a trial.” The judge added that he would have to stop Trump’s testimony if he didn’t start answering questions directly.
During his testimony, Trump told the judge that he “didn’t know anything about him” and repeatedly tried to invoke a defense that the judge had already found untenable.
Former US President Donald Trump is questioned by Judge Arthur Engoron during the Trump Organization civil fraud trial in New York State Supreme Court, November 6, 2023 (courtroom image)
During the meeting, the former president admitted to the inaccurate valuation of his property. Trump said his company undervalued his Mar-a-Lago residence and the Doral golf course in Florida. At the same time, the cost of his apartment in New York’s Trump Tower skyscraper and the Seven Springs estate in Westchester County, New York, turned out to be too expensive. Trump emphasized that it didn’t matter because the cost estimating documents said it might not be accurate.
In September of this year, Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump, his children and 10 of his companies guilty of fraud.
This trial should determine what additional actions a judge can take and what punishment Trump and others may face.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the lawsuit against Trump, wants him to be fined $250 million. She also insists that Trump and his children be banned from doing business in New York.
The former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, is expected to testify in court on Wednesday.
On October 7, the New York Court of Appeals stayed enforcement of Judge Arthur Engoron’s September ruling that found Trump and his family business guilty of fraud, which could result in the Trump family business losing iconic New York properties. York, including Trump Tower and Wall Street. 40 in Manhattan.
The appeal process can take more than a year.