Former President Donald Trump appeared in court in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday for the third day of his civil fraud trial. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking to prove that the Trump Organization fraudulently overvalued its assets. Trump has been crisscrossing the country, holding speeches and rallies for his 2024 presidential campaign, but made an appearance in court earlier this month. He is expected to attend court proceedings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.
The trial has gained significant attention, with Trump’s ex-attorney Michael Cohen expected to testify. However, Cohen postponed his testimony due to a medical issue. The earliest he can now testify is October 23. Meanwhile, New York Judge Arthur Engoron imposed a partial gag order preventing all parties from engaging in verbal attacks against court staff. This came after Trump criticized a member of the judge’s office on social media.
The lawsuit, brought by James, alleges that Trump and his company misled banks and others about the value of his assets. James claims that Trump’s children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, as well as his associates and businesses, committed acts of fraud and misrepresentation on their financial statements. An appellate ruling from over the summer dismissed Ivanka Trump as a defendant, limiting James from suing for transactions that occurred before specific dates.
Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the lawsuit, the lack of a jury trial, and Judge Engoron, whom he called “corrupt.” Engoron previously ruled that Trump and the Trump Organization committed fraud by overvaluing assets and exaggerating net worth on paperwork used in deals and financing. James is seeking $250 million in damages and the trial will determine the penalties Trump and his companies will face.
This case has garnered significant attention, with both supporters and critics watching closely. The trial will serve as a crucial test for the former president and his business empire. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Brooke Singman is a Digital politics reporter. You can reach her at [email protected] or @BrookeSingman on Twitter. Stay updated with the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
