Key points from Day One of the Trump Trial in New York
Former President Trump Faces Civil Fraud Trial in New York
Step inside the iconic New York State Supreme Court building on 60 Centre Street in Manhattan, and you’ll witness an unprecedented event: former President Donald Trump defending himself in a high-stakes civil fraud trial. With cameras briefly allowed in the courtroom, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this historic case.
During a lunch break, Trump expressed his determination to personally witness what he called a “witch hunt” against him. He has been relentlessly pursued for years, but now he believes things are getting even dirtier.
As the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing and insists that the charges against him are politically motivated.
Trump acknowledges the success of his opponents in keeping him away from the campaign trail. He has spent countless hours in the courthouse, fighting against what he perceives as a relentless attack.
Throughout media appearances before and after the trial, Trump has staunchly defended himself against the seven charges brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. These charges include defrauding banks and insurers in the state, with potential penalties of $250 million and a ban on Trump and his adult sons from holding executive business posts in New York.
7 Charges
James filed the lawsuit last September after a three-year investigation. The trial will focus on the remaining six charges, such as falsifying business records, issuing false financial statements, and insurance fraud. Trump’s defense team questions the materiality of the alleged overvaluations and plans to call expert witnesses to testify on the valuations.
In a pretrial summary judgment, Justice Engoron found Trump liable for “persistent and repeated fraud” related to the inflation of his net worth. The trial will now address the remaining causes of action, including the potential dissolution of the Trump Organization.
Trump’s defense team argues that the statute of limitations should dismiss a significant portion of the case. They have sued Justice Engoron for allowing the trial to proceed without considering this timeframe. The prosecutors contend that earlier statements and transactions may be connected to the fraud allegations within the allowed period.
Statute of Limitations
President Trump cites a June ruling from an appeals court, which sets the statute of limitations for transactions completed after Feb. 6, 2016, and claims accrued after July 13, 2014. Ivanka Trump was dismissed as a defendant due to this ruling. Trump believes this ruling dismisses a significant portion of the case against him and has sued Justice Engoron accordingly.
After opening arguments, the court adjourned for lunch. The state called its first witness, Donald Bender, a former Mazars accountant. Trump’s attorney objected to Bender’s testimony, arguing that it fell outside the statute of limitations. Justice Engoron allowed the testimony but emphasized the need for a connection to the allowed period.
Day one concluded with President Trump expressing his appreciation for the judge’s consideration of the statute of limitations. He hopes to avoid returning to court and resume campaigning instead.
Trump asserts that banks were not defrauded and actually profited from their dealings with him. His defense plans to call witnesses to support this claim, including experts on real estate valuations.
9/29/2023
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