In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump’s attorneys were denied an immediate and direct verdict in the Trump Organization civil trial on Wednesday. This came after ex-attorney Michael Cohen testified that Trump did not ask him to inflate his finances on a personal financial statement. The trial, stemming from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into the Trump Organization and Trump family businesses, has captivated the nation for its high-profile players and allegations of fraud and misrepresentation.
During his second day on the stand, Cohen, once a close friend and loyal lawyer to Trump, was asked directly if the former president asked him to inflate his finances. Cohen’s response, a firm “no,” shocked the courtroom. Trump’s attorney, Clifford Roberts, then requested an immediate, direct verdict based on Cohen’s testimony. However, Judge Arthur Engoron swiftly denied the request, stating that there was enough evidence in the case to proceed.
The trial centers around James’ lawsuit, accusing Trump and his company of misleading banks and others about the value of his assets. James alleges that Trump and his associates committed numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation on their financial statements. Engoron, who is presiding over the non-jury trial, ruled last month that Trump and the Trump Organization committed fraud by overvaluing assets and exaggerating net worth on paperwork used in deals and financing.
Despite Trump’s repeated denials and claims of undervaluation, the trial has produced damning testimony. Cohen, who previously pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations, false statements to Congress, and tax evasion, testified that he inflated Trump’s assets to “whatever number Trump told us to.” Trump has called Cohen a “proven liar” and accused him of lying on the stand.
The trial took another turn when Engoron asked Trump to take the stand. Trump expressed concerns about a “partisan” individual sitting alongside the judge, referring to both Engoron and Cohen. Engoron clarified that Trump was referring to his law clerk, not a member of the judiciary. The judge imposed a partial gag order earlier this month after Trump made derogatory statements about his law clerk on social media.
As the court proceedings unfolded, Trump took the opportunity to comment on the House speaker race, praising House Republicans for electing Rep. Mike Johnson as the new Speaker of the House. Trump expressed his confidence in Johnson’s leadership and thanked his supporters for their continued loyalty.
The civil trial is set to continue, and it remains to be seen if Trump will attend in person. Trump recently dismissed his lawsuit against Cohen but vowed to refile once he “prevailed” in the ongoing legal battles against him. The trial has garnered significant attention due to its implications for Trump’s financial dealings and the allegations of fraud and misconduct.
Overall, the trial has shed light on the complex web of financial dealings surrounding Trump and his businesses. With Cohen’s testimony and Engoron’s rulings, the case is far from over, and the nation eagerly awaits the final verdict.
