Key Highlights from Donald Trump's Controversial Testimony in his Civil Fraud Trial
Donald Trump's contentious testimony in his civil fraud trial unveils bombastic and confrontational rhetoric as he fiercely attacks the New York attorney general and the trial's judge He also admits to altering the valuation of his luxurious Trump Tower triplex
On Monday, Donald Trump utilized a bombastic tone while testifying in the civil fraud case involving him and his business. Throughout his time on the witness stand, he vehemently targeted both the New York attorney general who initiated the case and the judge presiding over the trial. Trump's testimony often mirrored his speeches during the campaign, wherein he emphasized the four criminal cases against him, including the civil fraud case filed by the New York attorney general, as a crucial component of his bid for re-election in 2024.
Judge Arthur Engoron, who had a contentious relationship with Donald Trump throughout the trial, initially attempted to limit the former president's political remarks and lengthy speeches. He directed Trump's lawyer, Chris Kise, to "restrain your client" and even mentioned the possibility of removing Trump as a witness.
However, eventually, the judge abandoned his efforts to rein in Trump. During the questioning by both the attorney general's lawyer and his own lawyer, they allowed Trump to freely express his views, largely disregarding his inflammatory statements.
Trumps day on the stand yielded the following highlights:
The campaign comes to the courtroom
The language used by the previous president during his testimony resembled that of his campaign rallies, where he targeted the attorney general, the judge, and continually denounced the "political witch hunt" that he has vehemently opposed for years.
"This political witch hunt is disgraceful, and she should feel ashamed," Trump commented about James.
Trump's repetitive attacks during the trial have not been especially noteworthy, as he has attended as a mere observer.
Trump, while on the witness stand, directed remarkably charged rhetoric towards the judge seated beside him, with James in close proximity, observing his testimony in the courtroom. "The court is the one engaged in fraud, not me," Trump declared.
"You've committed a dreadful act," he told the judge, expressing his disapproval. "It's regrettable that you place your trust in that political pawn seated over there."
Kevin Wallace, the attorney from the office of the attorney general, endeavored to corner the ex-president with his questioning. However, adhering to his distinctive speaking manner, Trump managed to blend in tangential comments and personal assaults within his responses, even while addressing the inquiries.
Trumps rhetoric prompts an angry response from the judge
At the beginning of Trump's testimony, Engoron attempted to prevent the former president from delivering speeches and instead insisted that he respond directly to the questions. However, this had minimal effect on Trump's approach.
The judge issued a warning to Trump, considering the possibility of taking him off the witness stand. However, this did not discourage the former president. Engoron emphasized that it was not a political rally and urged Kise to manage his client's behavior.
Kise countered Engoron's argument by advocating for Trump's right to speak. At a certain juncture, Kise praised his client's responses as "brilliant."
"It is crucial for the court to listen to his perspective on these statements," Kise emphasized. "He is explaining why there was no intention to deceive anyone with his replies. That's his objective."
Engoron expressed his disagreement, stating, "I am not present to listen to his opinions," he raised his voice and spoke directly to Trump's attorney Alina Habba and Kise, instructing them to take their seats. "Our purpose is to have him respond to questions, although he often fails to do so."
Before the testimony could continue, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction, calling the trial very unfair and expressing his hope that the public was paying attention.
After a morning break, Engoron adopted a more passive approach in managing Trump's statements. He informed Wallace that he was deferring to his guidance regarding Trump's responses, particularly if he allowed the witness to go off-topic, not address the question, or repeat himself.
Of course, antagonizing the judge will only get Trump so far in the trial: The civil action is a non-jury trial, so Engoron will decide the outcome.
Trump acknowledges changing valuation of Trump Tower triplex
The attorney general's office questioned Trump about his signature properties that are deeply connected to his identity and brand, including Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower, and other vital components of his real estate empire.
Wallace probed Trump to admit the inconsistencies in his financial declarations, as well as the financial records that have been deemed fraudulent for inflating the former president's net worth in order to secure more favorable loan rates. An expert appointed by the attorney general concluded that the Trump Organization benefited from $168 million in unlawfully obtained profits.
Wallace questioned Trump about the modifications made to property valuations, including his Trump Tower triplex. The valuation of his apartment was lowered in his financial statement in 2017 after Forbes published an article revealing his significant exaggeration of its size.
In response, Trump admitted to the occurrence of occasional errors, citing the Trump Tower apartment valuation as an example.
The apartment's value dropped significantly from $327 million in 2016 to approximately $116.8 million in 2017. This decline occurred after Forbes Magazine exposed Trump in 2017 for falsely stating that the apartment spanned over 30,000 square feet, when in reality, it measured just under 11,000 square feet. During an interview with Wallace, Trump was questioned about his involvement in this alteration.
"I'm most likely involved," Trump replied, presenting various potential reasons.
He admitted the possibility of a mistake but pointed out that his statements already contained disclaimer clauses, emphasizing that banks are accountable for their own due diligence.
"There is a clause that prevents you from being sued by the attorney general of New York," Trump clarified.
Trumps beautiful, expensive properties
, Trump mentioned during the questioning that if he had intended to enhance the statement as per your suggestion, he would have incorporated the brand value, thereby augmenting it by tens of millions of dollars.
The previous president not only criticized those conducting the investigation, but also seized the chance to promote his properties as a salesperson. Among his main grievances against the judge was the mention of Mar-a-Lago being valued at $18 million, a figure derived from Florida tax appraisal records.
"Mar-a-Lago holds far greater value," remarked Trump, "and this will become evident within two weeks or five weeks or nine weeks, or whenever this matter concludes, as the greatest value derives from its utilization as a club."
Wallace seized upon Trump's response to seek clarification. "Do you confidently believe that Mar-a-Lago's current worth amounts to $1.5 billion?" inquired Wallace.
"I estimate the number to be somewhere between one billion and one billion five," Trump replied.
When asked about his golf resort in Aberdeen, Scotland, Trump showed little interest in addressing the inconsistencies in the planned housing units on his financial statement. Instead, he focused on promoting the value of his land.
"I think its the greatest golf course ever built," Trump said. "Its one of the greatest pieces of land Ive ever seen."
This story is breaking and will be updated.
