Breaking: Trump’s legal team requests directed verdict, urges swift conclusion to NY civil fraud trial.
Trump’s Lawyers Make Bold Bid to End NY Civil Fraud Trial
Donald Trump’s legal team made a daring move on Thursday, seeking an immediate end to the New York civil fraud trial that poses a threat to his real estate empire. They argued that the state lawyers had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that the former president intentionally deceived banks, insurers, and others by inflating his wealth on financial statements.
“There’s no victim. There’s no complainant. There’s no injury. All of that is established now by the evidence,” Trump lawyer Christopher Kise boldly stated.
Trump’s lawyers requested a directed verdict, urging Judge Arthur Engoron to clear Trump, his company, and other defendants of any wrongdoing halfway through the trial. However, the judge did not make an immediate decision, stating that he would consider the arguments.
Trump’s Testimony and Defense Arguments
Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, emphasized the importance of Trump’s testimony, highlighting his decades of experience as a real estate developer. Kise argued that the state attorney general, Letitia James, was attempting to substitute her judgment for that of the banks and someone with extensive industry experience.
“If my choices were Donald Trump or Attorney General James, respectfully, I would go with Donald Trump,” Kise asserted.
Clifford Robert, the lawyer representing Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr., also requested the dismissal of claims against them. He argued that the state lawyers had failed to prove the involvement of the sons in their father’s financial statements.
Engoron’s Pretrial Rulings and the State’s Case
Judge Engoron has consistently ruled against Trump, including a pretrial decision that accused Trump, his company, and other defendants of fraudulently inflating his net worth and asset values on financial statements. The state attorney general, Letitia James, is seeking the return of over $300 million in ill-gotten gains and a ban on Trump and other defendants from conducting business in New York.
The trial has seen testimony from numerous witnesses, including Trump, his sons, Trump Organization executives, accountants, and bank executives. The defense argued that lender Deutsche Bank made its own adjustments to the asset values listed on Trump’s financial statements and still decided to lend him hundreds of millions of dollars.
The trial continues with legal arguments, and Trump’s side is scheduled to call witnesses on Monday. However, if Judge Engoron grants a directed verdict, the trial could come to an abrupt end.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Breaking: Trump’s Lawyers Ask Judge for Directed Verdict, Seek ‘Immediate End’ to NY Civil Fraud Trial appeared first on The Western Journal.
How does the New York Attorney General’s office argue that Donald Trump knowingly provided false information to financial institutions?
Were no better than asking the person sitting on a bench in the park, would I be able to rely on the banks? Would they lend me money? No,” Kise asserted.
In addition, Trump’s legal team argued that the inflated numbers in the financial statements were mere puffery and not intentional falsehoods. They claimed that Trump’s statements were opinions rather than factual misrepresentations, and therefore did not constitute fraud.
New York Attorney General’s Argument
On the other hand, the New York Attorney General’s office contended that Trump knowingly provided false information to financial institutions to secure loans and insurance coverage. They claimed that Trump’s statements were not mere puffery but deliberate misrepresentations aimed at deceiving lenders and investors.
The state lawyers presented evidence to support their argument, including internal emails and evaluations that allegedly showed Trump’s awareness of the false numbers. They also highlighted the testimony of several witnesses who claimed to have been misled by Trump’s financial statements.
The Outcome and Implications
While Judge Engoron did not immediately rule on the directed verdict, the arguments put forth by Trump’s legal team have raised questions about the strength of the state’s case. If the judge grants the directed verdict, the trial would come to an abrupt end, and Trump and his company would be cleared of any fraud charges.
On the other hand, if the judge denies the request, the trial will continue, and Trump’s credibility and business practices will be further scrutinized. The outcome of the trial will not only have legal implications but also political ramifications, potentially affecting Trump’s future endeavors.
This high-profile civil fraud trial is just one of the many legal battles Trump has faced since leaving office. The verdict will undoubtedly have a significant impact on his image and legacy, regardless of the final outcome.
Legal experts and the public are closely watching this trial, as it sheds light on the accountability and transparency of public figures, and the consequences they face for their actions. The decision made by Judge Engoron will serve as a precedent and shape future legal proceedings involving similar allegations.
Regardless of the outcome, this trial highlights the importance of comprehensive and accurate financial reporting, particularly for individuals in positions of power and influence. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that the legal system plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and fairness in our society.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
Now loading...