Former President Donald Trump testified in a $250 million civil fraud case in a New York courtroom on Monday that could potentially lead to the dismantling of his business empire. Trump immediately confronted the lawyer questioning him from the state Attorney General’s office and accused them of being haters. The former president also exchanged heated words with the judge, Arthur Engoron, who he has previously insulted on his social media platform. There is no jury in this case, so Engoron will ultimately decide the outcome and whether Trump should face penalties.
During his testimony, Trump complained about the undervaluation of his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, by the Attorney General’s office. He claimed that the property’s value was significantly higher than what was stated on his financial statements. Trump’s previous sworn testimony in this case has been problematic, as he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination close to 450 times during the first deposition. The judge cited some of Trump’s deposition testimony in a previous ruling, finding him liable for fraud. Trump is currently facing several other legal battles and is set to stand trial in four criminal cases next year.
Former President Trump’s testimony in the civil fraud case was marked by confrontations with both the lawyer from the state Attorney General’s office and Judge Engoron. He accused them of being biased against him and attacked the judge’s credibility. Trump also complained about the undervaluation of his Mar-a-Lago resort, claiming that it was worth much more than the Attorney General’s office had stated. The outcome of the trial will be determined by Judge Engoron, as there is no jury involved. This case is one of several legal battles that Trump is facing, and he is scheduled to stand trial in four criminal cases next year.
The courtroom was filled to capacity for the trial, with a high number of photographers present outside. Trump’s previous deposition testimony has already posed challenges for him, as he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination multiple times. Judge Engoron has previously found Trump liable for fraud based on this testimony. Trump’s confrontational behavior continued during his testimony, as he clashed with both the lawyer and the judge. The trial will determine whether Trump’s business empire will be dismantled and if any penalties should be imposed on him, his sons, and his company.
