Trump Attacks Judge and Prosecutor at the Beginning of His Trial on Fraud Charges in New York

 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump launched an attack on the judge and the prosecutor on the first day of his trial on corruption charges that could threaten his financial empire.

Upon entering the courtroom, Trump looked at the prosecutor who had brought the case against him, Letitia James, but she avoided eye contact as he walked past her, staring intently.

Trump attended the session voluntarily.

The list of defendants in the civil case includes several executives from the Trump Organization, as well as his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric. They have been charged with fraud, forgery of business records, issuing false financial statements, and conspiracy. As the proceedings unfolded, Trump began to glare angrily at the judge, Arthur Engoron. In a pre-session conversation, Trump was overheard in the courthouse corridors with two lawyers describing the judge as "biased." He also attacked the prosecutor in media statements, saying, "This case is fake; it's a disgrace. Just so you know, all my financial statements are highly accurate, and there is no crime. It's a crime against me."

The defense team's combative approach during the trial is expected, given Trump's history of aggressive rhetoric.

The session began with the prosecutor's team presenting their case to the court. They alleged that the defendants intentionally engaged in fraudulent activities that allowed Trump to evade taxes worth $100 million.

The prosecutor and her team initiated proceedings by accusing Trump and the other defendants of deliberate and continuous fraud, from which the former president reportedly gained over $100 million.

Last week, Judge Engoron ruled against Trump in a separate case, finding that he had inflated the value of his assets by hundreds of millions of dollars to secure loans from banks. In the recent session, Trump's defense team also attacked prosecutor Letitia James and her team, suggesting that she was "going to work to convict Trump and then go home."

Alina Haber, one of Trump's lawyers, stated that he never exaggerated the value of his assets, including his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Following this, Trump's defense team engaged in a debate with the judge regarding the admissibility of expert opinions from real estate appraisers.

Trump's attacks on the prosecutor, Letitia James, angered Judge Engoron, who had earlier stated that the case was not politically motivated.

The afternoon session in the court was relatively calm, with Trump's former accountant, Donald Bender, testifying as the first witness called by the attorney general's office.

Bender had previously testified against Trump in a separate case a year ago, confirming that Trump had attempted to evade taxes.

His recent testimony focused on his work with the Trump Organization, stating that he had prepared tax returns for Trump and handled accounting for the former president's business entities.

No defendant in this case faces the risk of imprisonment, as it is a civil case rather than a criminal one.

The judge, not a jury, will preside over the case, which is expected to last for three months.

The prosecution is seeking a $250 million fine against Trump and a ban on his ability to conduct business in New York.

There is also a possibility that Trump may lose some of his properties bearing his name.

However, Trump faces even greater risks in this case.