Trump’s fraud trial begins in Manhattan.
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
12:32 PM – Monday, October 2, 2023
The $250 million civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, his corporation, and two of his children was set to begin on Monday.
The lawsuit could have significant ramifications for the former president’s enterprises.
Kevin Wallace at the AG’s office said in his opening statement before the Manhattan court that Trump and employees of his firm had committed “persistent illegal acts,” including excessively inflated financial statements with values “determined by Donald Trump.”
Wallace maintained that Trump overstated his financial position by between $812 million and $2.2 billion, was aware that it was overstated, and exploited this to his advantage to acquire perks such as loans at rates to which he was not entitled.
Wallace claimed that Trump attempted to blame Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, for the financial certifications at his deposition in the lawsuit, but that “he was lying.”
Trump, whose attendance was not required at the trial, still attended and sat with his arms crossed for the majority of Wallace’s testimony before Judge Arthur Engoron.
Trump’s business acumen was highlighted in the trial as the attorney general’s office tried its hardest to depict the former president as an image-obsessed charlatan who purposely exaggerated his accomplishments.
Christopher Kise, Trump’s attorney, said in his opening statement that the evidence will demonstrate that Trump’s company “made many billions of dollars being right about real estate investments” and that he was “building one of the most successful real estate empires in the world” as well as “one of the most successful brands.”
He explained to the judge that assessments are arbitrary and made the point that none of the loans to Trump were ever repaid in full.
“There was no fraud,” Kise asserted. “President Trump did not make any false statements.”
The no-jury trial in Manhattan is scheduled to run for around three months and end on December 22nd.
Judge Engoron will decide the ruling.
Alina Habba, a Trump attorney who has had disagreements with the judge in the past, followed Kise.
Habba stated that James’ inquiry was politically motivated, labeled former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, one of the AG’s witnesses, as a “liar,” and said that James was undervaluing Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s club in Florida, which she maintained is “worth at least a billion dollars.”
However, according to the AG’s office, its worth is closer to $75 million.
At 10 a.m., Trump entered the courthouse for the trial and spoke to reporters waiting outside. Letitia James, the state’s attorney general, came under fire from him and was accused of bringing forth the lawsuit in order to harm him politically.
“They’re trying to damage me so I don’t do as well as I’m doing,” said Trump, who is currently the leading frontrunner for the Republican presidential bid.
The judge only recently took a partial stance in favor of James’ office, concluding that Trump had engaged in continuous fraud for years, including deceiving banks and insurers by alternately overvaluing and undervaluing his assets and vastly misrepresenting his net worth.
The decision, which enabled the trial to begin this week, will also affect Trump’s numerous limited liability businesses, or LLCs. A 35-page ruling was made public last week by Engoron.
Trump labeled him as a “Trump Hating Judge who is unfair, unhinged, and vicious in his PURSUIT of me” in a post on Truth Social. A wave of Trump followers also commented on the post in agreement.
“Everything was perfect. There was no crime. The crime is against me,” Trump continued.
Among the 28 witnesses the AG’s office expects to summon are Donald Trump, three of his children, Don Jr. and Eric, who all hold high executive positions inside the Trump Organization, and his daughter, Ivanka Trump.
Along with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, Allen Weisselberg, the organization’s former chief financial officer, will also be called to the witness stand.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
One America’s Jessamyn Dodd sits down with California Senate candidate Jim Shoemaker to discuss water conservation and the dangers of big government.
Researchers continue to express skepticism surrounding the use of social media, but some users are utilizing the platform to inform and educate the public.
with Hogan Gidley
with Colton Moore
A California federal judge has ruled people who own Tesla cars must pursue autopilot claims in individual arbitration rather than court.
Avio said its Vega C rockets would return to flight in late 2024 after implementing fixes following a failed satellite launch.
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella called the idea that it is easy to change defaults on computers and smartphones as “bogus” in the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust fight with Google.
By Andrew Chung September 29, 2023 – 8:04 AM PDT Advertisement Sept 29 (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to…
rnrn
To what extent do you think the trial is politically motivated and could it be an attempt to tarnish Trump’s legacy
Statements. He did not misrepresent the value of his properties. He did not deceive anyone in any way.”
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with witnesses including former Trump Organization executives and financial experts. The outcome will have implications not only for Trump’s reputation but also for the future of his business empire.
The civil fraud trial adds to the legal troubles that Trump is currently facing, including criminal investigations into his financial dealings and alleged misconduct during his presidency. The outcome of these cases could potentially impact his political aspirations as well.
While some see the trial as an opportunity for justice to be served, others view it as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish Trump’s legacy. It is likely that the trial will continue to be closely watched by both his supporters and critics.
The results of the trial will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Trump but for the broader implications it may have on the accountability of public figures and the integrity of the American political system. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of politics and business in the United States.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
