FOX News legal editor Kerri Kupec Urbahn details tense moments from Trump’s testimony and breaks down the New York fraud case as the former president returns to the stand. A pair of legal experts weighed in on how former President Trump’s court testimony may have affected his case in New York.
Former President Donald Trump testified in his non-jury civil trial on Monday stemming from New York Attorney General Leticia James’ lawsuit against him and his Empire State businesses. The former president exchanged fire with Judge Arthur Engoron while being questioned by Kevin Wallace, a lawyer from the New York Attorney General’s Office.
Trump’s testimony drew significant attention, with many eagerly awaiting his appearance in court. However, legal experts noted an apparent disconnect in his testimony, as he seemed to be addressing the public rather than the judge. Judge Engoron expressed frustration with the length and tenor of Trump’s answers.
George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley commented on the impact of the trial on Trump’s popularity, stating that each indictment seems to increase his support by five percentage points. Turley also highlighted the underlying law in New York, which does not require an actual victim or loss of money. He suggested that James’ lawsuit against Trump may be driven by her campaign promise to take legal action against him.
Turley further pointed out that two cases are being made in the courtroom – James is arguing to bar Trump from business in New York, while Trump is making a case for his reelection. Both may be succeeding, as James appears to have a sympathetic court, while Trump gains sympathy from the public.
Conservative commentator Andy McCarthy expressed his belief that Trump’s testimony will have no impact on the case, as it has already been decided. McCarthy noted that the judge and the state’s attorney general are elected Democrats, with the attorney general vowing to use the power of her office against Trump. McCarthy stated that the judge had already indicated Trump’s loss in the case and that the trial would focus on determining the amount he would have to pay and the possibility of being put out of business in New York.
The civil trial revolves around James’ allegations that Trump defrauded banks and inflated the value of his assets. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that his assets were undervalued and that his financial statements included disclaimers for evaluation by the banks. During his testimony, Trump criticized the investigation against him, claiming that James had political motives and aimed to become governor or attorney general.
The article concludes by acknowledging the contributions of Digital’s Brooke Singman and Maria Paronich to the reporting. Houston Keene, a politics writer for Digital, provides updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
