Trump to Attend Day 3 of NY Fraud Trial: Live Updates
Trump Enters Courtroom—10:05 a.m.
Former President Donald Trump engaged in intense discussions with his attorneys as he made his way into the courtroom.
The trial is set to continue with the testimony of witness Donald Bender, a former Mazars USA partner and accountant who worked closely with the Trump Organization and President Trump himself.
Yesterday, the trial concluded with a private meeting between all parties involved and the judge, following the removal of the press.
Trump Addresses Potential Speaker Nomination—10:04 a.m.
Reporters bombarded Mr. Trump with questions about the possibility of him becoming the House Speaker. After the recent ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Trump supporters have suggested his name as a potential nominee.
“A lot of people have been asking me about the speaker,” he responded. “All I can say is that we will do whatever is best for the country and the Republican Party.”
“We have some incredible individuals,” he continued, acknowledging the numerous inquiries he has received. However, he emphasized his focus on his presidential campaign and leading in the polls. “The Republican Party has many outstanding candidates for the role of speaker… I will do everything I can to assist, but my primary focus is on being president and, frankly, making America great again, as we are currently in a state of decline.”
Trump Arrives, Tells Press, ‘This Is the Beginning of Communism’—9:58 a.m.
President Trump highlighted that the case against him is based on Executive Law 63(12), a consumer fraud statute that does not require proof of victimhood, which he deemed “possibly unconstitutional.”
“This is simply a continuation of the witch hunt that began the day I descended the escalator at Trump Tower,” he asserted.
“It doesn’t grant me a jury, it doesn’t grant me anything,” he argued. He accused New York Attorney General Letitia James of “driving companies out by the thousands, forcing people out” due to her “incompetence,” which has resulted in increased crime and violence.
“She did this because she was running for governor,” he claimed.
He stated that this statute has never been utilized in a case like the one against him, which he once again denounced as “election interference.”
President Trump confidently declared that if he had a jury, he would “easily win this case.”
“You can see what’s happening here, this is a railroad. This marks the beginning of communism in our country,” he warned. “It’s a disgrace for our nation. You borrow money, you repay it, the banks adore us… and then you get sued by a political animal.”
“That’s why New York State is failing, and that’s why companies are leaving,” he concluded.
Trump Expected to Attend Third Day, Explains Jury Issue—9:45 a.m.
President Trump is set to attend his first trial of the year, facing a civil fraud case brought against him by Ms. James. He did not attend the defamation case trials earlier this year, but he has expressed the possibility of testifying in the four criminal cases he is still facing.
At stake is his entire Trump Organization conglomerate, as the judge has already ordered its dissolution, with the specifics yet to be determined, and the potential loss of all his New York properties. Additionally, Ms. James is seeking penalties amounting to $250 million.
The significant attention the former president is giving to this case reflects the personal nature of the lawsuit and the potential consequences he faces. He has previously stated that targeting his businesses is a “red line” and has built his image around being a successful billionaire entrepreneur. He has repeatedly criticized the prosecution and the judge for undervaluing his net worth and properties since New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron issued a pretrial summary judgment in favor of Ms. James, who accused President Trump of inflating his net worth by $812 million to $2.2 billion.
On the second day of the trial, Forbes released its annual Forbes 400 list of America’s wealthiest individuals, excluding the former president. The publication estimated his net worth to be $2.6 billion, a $600 million decrease from the previous year.
On Truth Social, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with being tried under a law that does not require proof of victimhood and his lack of entitlement to a jury (without any alternative option).
The trial is a bench trial, meaning the judge alone determines the facts and delivers the verdict. On Monday, Justice Engoron noted at the start of the trial that no party had requested a jury trial—both the prosecution and defense later clarified to the media that the defense did not have the option to request one, and the prosecution is seeking penalties that can only be ordered by a judge.
What is the reason for not having a jury in the New York Attorney General’s office trial involving President Trump?
The New York Attorney General’s office. The trial began yesterday and is expected to continue for several days. In a recent statement, President Trump addressed the issue of not having a jury in the case.
“This is a very unusual situation,” he stated. “Typically, in a civil case, you would have a jury of your peers. But in this case, the statute does not provide for a jury. It’s a one-sided process, and that’s why I believe it’s unfair.”
President Trump explained that without a jury, he does not have the opportunity to present his case to a group of individuals who can evaluate the evidence and make a fair decision.
“I have full confidence in my legal team, and we will present a strong defense,” he said. ”But it’s concerning that there is no jury to provide an independent assessment of the facts.”
President Trump also raised concerns about the statute being used against him. He argued that it is being selectively applied and potentially infringing on his constitutional rights.
“This statute has never been used in a case like mine before,” he claimed. ”It seems like a targeted effort to undermine my reputation and interfere with the political process.”
The former president went on to criticize New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing her of using the case for political gain.
“She’s just trying to make a name for herself,” he asserted. “She’s running for governor, and she’s using this case to further her own interests. It’s a disgraceful abuse of power.”
President Trump expressed his frustration with the entire legal process, calling it a “witch hunt” that has been ongoing since his presidency.
“They’ve been after me from day one,” he said. “They’re trying to tear me down and erase my legacy. But the American people know the truth, and we will prevail.”
Despite his concerns, President Trump assured his supporters that he will continue to fight for his innocence and for the future of the Republican Party.
“I will not let this distract me from my mission to make America great again,” he declared. “We have a lot of important work to do, and I will not be deterred.”
As the trial enters its third day, all eyes are on the courtroom. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both President Trump and the political landscape in New York.
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