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Donald Trump is set to appear in a New York courtroom on Monday as a witness in a civil fraud trial that poses a threat to his real estate empire, which established his reputation prior to his entry into politics. Similar to his two adult sons who testified last week, the former US president is expected to face probing questions about dubious accounting practices that a judge has already deemed fraudulent.
The state of New York contends that these practices allowed him to secure favorable financing terms by inflating the value of his golf courses, apartment buildings, and other assets during a time when many lenders were reluctant to do business with him. They allege that this activity earned him $100 million and inflated his wealth by $2 billion. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Read more : Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to sensitive documents.
In contrast to the four criminal cases looming over him as he vies for the 2024 Republican nomination, this civil trial doesn’t carry the threat of imprisonment as he pursues a return to the White House.
Trump has been leveraging this experience, using it to solicit campaign donations and argue that he’s being targeted due to his political beliefs. However, it has the potential to undermine Trump’s carefully cultivated image over the years as a glamorous billionaire who frequents elegant resorts and premium golf courses bearing his name.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million in fines and potential business restrictions that would prevent Trump, Eric, and Donald Jr from conducting business in their home state.
Judge Arthur Engoron has already revoked business certificates for companies that control significant portions of Trump’s business, although this order is currently on hold pending an appeal.
Evidence presented during the trial has revealed that company officials, including Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr, were involved in attempts to manipulate the assessed value of high-profile properties such as the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
One witness, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump instructed him to manipulate financial statements to boost his net worth.
Throughout the proceedings, Trump has exhibited visible frustration. While his presence in court has not been mandatory until now, he has made several appearances to observe the proceedings from the defendant’s table and has complained to TV cameras outside the courtroom, suggesting that Engoron, James, and others involved in the case are motivated by political bias. He has also continued to criticize the case on social media, resulting in fines of $15,000 for violating a limited gag order that prevents him from criticizing court staff.
Trump’s legal commitments are likely to take him away from the campaign trail for a significant portion of the coming year. His election campaign has capitalized on the trial as an opportunity for fundraising, asserting that he is defending his family and reputation from what they describe as “corrupt tyrants” within New York’s Democratic leadership.
Despite his legal troubles, polls show that Republican voters do not appear to be significantly concerned, as he maintains a strong lead in the party’s presidential nominating contest.
While the trial was initially scheduled to extend into early December, it may conclude earlier as the state presents its final witnesses this week. The number of witnesses the defense will call remains uncertain.
Additionally, Trump’s daughter Ivanka is expected to testify on Wednesday, even though she is not a defendant in the case.
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