Trump’s $250 million fraud trial is set to commence on Monday, with the Attorney General intending to summon his adult sons as witnesses. A New York appellate court has rejected Trump’s request for a trial delay.
In a significant ruling, the judge has determined that Donald Trump engaged in a pattern of repeated fraud by providing “fraudulent valuations” for assets. These valuations were subsequently utilized by Trump, his eldest sons, and his business to secure more favorable loan and insurance conditions.
The First Judicial Department Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court has dismissed Donald Trump’s request to postpone his fraud trial. Consequently, the New York Attorney General’s $250 million civil trial against the former president will proceed as scheduled on Monday.
Earlier this month, a temporary stay was granted by a New York appellate judge, pending a decision by the First Judicial Department.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed readiness for the trial, stating in a press release following Thursday’s ruling, “We are prepared for the trial and eagerly anticipate presenting the remainder of our case.
In the recent chronology, a New York appellate judge instituted a temporary suspension, awaiting adjudication by the First Judicial Department.
The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, has affirmed her preparedness for the impending trial and the expectation of presenting the remainder of their case, following the verdict rendered on Thursday.
In a pivotal pretrial determination, Judge Arthur Engoron decreed the annulment of the Trump Organization’s business certifications within the state. This directive emanated from the judge’s discernment that Donald Trump had proffered ‘fraudulent valuations’ for assets, subsequently leveraged by him, along with his eldest sons and their enterprise, to secure more advantageous loan and insurance terms.
Yet to be adjudicated during the trial is the inquiry into potential supplementary sanctions that may be imposed on Trump, in addition to the several allegations encompassed within the attorney general’s litigation.
Letitia James has outlined her intent to summon Donald Trump and his adult sons as witnesses in the forthcoming trial, as evidenced by a witness roster presented to the court.”
Trump is currently positioned as the penultimate government witness in the Attorney General’s case.
(Seth Wenig/AP, FILE) – Image Source: nytimes.com
The attorney general’s roster of witnesses also encompasses Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, as well as Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, co-defendants Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney, along with several present and former executives of the Trump Organization.
Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, his daughter Ivanka Trump, and co-defendants Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney are among the witnesses called by the attorney general. Several current and past executives from the Trump Organization are also included on the list.
Donald Bender, a former accountant for Trump who worked for Mazars USA, is the first witness scheduled to testify. It’s significant that after learning about the New York Attorney General’s conclusions last year, Mazars USA cut off all business relations with Trump. Bender’s testimony in the 2022 criminal case against the Trump Organization revealed that Trump had declared significant losses on his tax returns, including a loss totaling $1 billion over the course of 2009 and 2010.
Ultimately, a Manhattan jury rendered the Trump Organization guilty of criminal tax fraud.
The Attorney General’s office has outlined their intention to summon a total of 28 witnesses to present their case during the forthcoming trial, in addition to listing 25 potential rebuttal witnesses in their filing.
On the other hand, Trump and his co-defendants have asserted their prerogative to call over 130 witnesses for their case, which includes Trump himself and his adult sons.
It’s important to note that while the witness lists were updated subsequent to the judge’s ruling on Tuesday, they may undergo further modifications as the trial progresses.
Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, indicated on Tuesday that Trump plans to promptly appeal the judge’s ruling, characterizing it as “fundamentally flawed.
FAQs
1. What is the background of the trial against Donald Trump mentioned in the article?
- The trial involves a $250 million civil lawsuit brought by the New York Attorney General against former President Donald Trump. It alleges that Trump submitted “fraudulent valuations” for assets to gain favorable loan and insurance terms.
2. Why was there a recent ruling by a judge, and what did it entail?
- A recent ruling by Judge Arthur Engoron ordered the revocation of the Trump Organization’s business certificates in New York. This decision was based on the judge’s finding that Trump engaged in repeated fraud by submitting false asset valuations.
3. Who are some of the key witnesses listed for the trial by both sides?
- Notable witnesses include Donald Trump, his former lawyer Michael Cohen, his daughter Ivanka Trump, co-defendants Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney, and various current and former executives from the Trump Organization. Trump’s former accountant, Donald Bender, is also among the witnesses.
4. How many witnesses does the Attorney General plan to call for their case?
- The Attorney General’s office intends to call 28 witnesses to present their case. They have also listed 25 additional witnesses for potential rebuttal.
5. What is the scope of Trump’s defense in terms of witnesses?
- Trump and his co-defendants have reserved the right to call over 130 witnesses for their case, which includes Trump himself and his adult sons.
6. What is the significance of the judge’s ruling and the impending trial?
- The judge’s ruling and the trial are significant as they pertain to allegations of fraud involving Trump and the Trump Organization. The trial will determine whether additional penalties will be imposed on Trump, and it involves several claims from the Attorney General’s lawsuit.
7. Is there a plan to appeal the judge’s ruling, and why?
- Yes, Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, stated that Trump intends to appeal the judge’s decision, citing it as “fundamentally flawed.” The appeal seeks to challenge the ruling and its implications for the trial.