Trump's Legal System Assault Escalates as Adult Sons Testify
Trump's legal battles intensify as his adult sons testify, sparking a fierce attack on the legal system A tumultuous day unfolds in court for the Trump boys, highlighting their ongoing struggles
It was a rough day in court for the Trump boys.
But even before Donald Jr. and Eric had wrapped up an unconvincing day of testimony in a New York civil fraud trial, their father erupted.
"So disheartening to witness my sons being subjected to PERSECUTION in a politically motivated Witch Hunt by an unruly, attention-seeking New York State Judge, in relation to a case that should have NEVER been initiated," tweeted former President Donald Trump on his newly launched platform, Truth Social. "Esteemed legal experts express their dismay!"
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump on November 2.
Shannon Stapleton/Pool/Reuters
Key points from the intense testimonies of Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the New York fraud case
Without wasting any time, the former president immediately implemented his customary tactic of diverting attention, discrediting opponents, and causing delays. This strategy is being utilized to counter the extensive legal challenges he faces, including four pending criminal trials, which could impact his aspirations for a 2024 presidential campaign.
Trumps latest criticism of Judge Arthur Engoron, who has already found Trump, his two adult sons, and their family empire - the Trump Organization - liable for fraud, also served as a preemptive strike ahead of the ex-president's anticipated testimony in the civil trial in the courtroom on Monday. The peculiar occurrences at the court in New York are providing early insight into how the even more high-profile and criminal cases facing Trump could unfold in an unprecedented election year when the campaign trail will intersect with the courts and pivotal swing states.
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See what Eric Trump said about his father's financial statements in court
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Trump fights his cases outside the courtroom
Trumps legal defense has morphed into a mirror image of his presidential campaign as he grapples with the consequences of courtroom procedures, all while positioning himself as a victim of political persecution. Just as he tarnished the trust in the US electoral system by peddling baseless claims of election fraud, the former president is now aiming to undermine the credibility of another foundational element of American democracy: the courts. In his typical fashion, he points fingers at President Joe Biden, the Justice Department, and various prosecutors, accusing them of the very misconduct he himself engaged in, framing the cases against him as "Election Interference."
When Trump assumed the presidency, he entrusted his real estate firm to his two adult sons, who held positions of authority. However, despite their high-ranking roles, both vehemently asserted their limited involvement in managing their father's financial statements, which were instrumental in procuring loans on behalf of the company.
Eric Trump dismisses the focus on appraisals, stating that his primary focus is on construction, not the valuation of properties. This statement comes after a prolonged exchange with Assistant New York Attorney General Andrew Amer, who was attempting to demonstrate Eric Trump's deep involvement in a development at a Trump golf course in New York.
The case revolves around allegations that Trump, his sons, and their company deliberately exaggerated the ex-president's personal wealth to gain financial advantages in the form of loans and insurance policies worth millions of dollars. While the case is a civil matter and does not accuse them of any criminal misconduct, it could result in substantial financial restitution and potentially damage the company's ability to conduct business in New York. Consequently, the outcome of this case holds significant implications for Trump's financial well-being, his legacy, and the future prospects of his family.
The situation became tense when Amer appeared to successfully challenge Eric Trump's claims of limited involvement in his father's financial statements. Eric Trump acknowledged, "I understand that our company had financials." However, he emphasized, "I personally was not aware of the statement of financial condition." Amer, however, presented an email from Jeff McConney, the former financial controller of their company, sent to Eric Trump in 2013, asking him to evaluate a property along with a supporting data spreadsheet.
Amer then inquired, "So you were aware of your father's annual financial statement as of August 20, 2013, right?" Eric Trump responded, "It seems that way, yes."
Both Trump sons have maintained that they had no knowledge of the company's financial statements, despite being in charge of it.
Previously, Donald Trump Jr. claimed that he too was oblivious to the specifics of his father's finances, although he had approved them. He stated that he entrusted accountants to handle those matters. Once his own testimony concluded, he confidently left the court, describing the proceedings as going "really well." This deliberate and shameless disregard for evidence that clearly refutes their claims is another typical strategy employed by the Trump family. A prime example of this was when the ex-president faced impeachment for an improper phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he attempted to exploit US military aid for personal gain. Despite overwhelming evidence against him, the former president stubbornly insisted that the call was "perfect."
Donald Trump Jr., outside the courtroom on Thursday, tapped into his father's repertoire of political tactics, presenting himself as the blameless victim of a witch-hunt.
"It was a successful proceeding, assuming we were operating under the principles of rationality and sound business practices," he commented, lamenting that "regrettably, the AG has initiated a politically motivated prosecution."
Engoron has already made a ruling against the Trumps regarding their persistent and repeated fraud allegations. Therefore, the trial will now revolve around other claims of conspiracy and falsification of business records. Additionally, it will determine the amount of restitution that the Republican front-runner and his companies might have to pay.
At the end of court proceedings on Thursday, Trump's legal team employed a familiar strategy by attacking court staff and the judge. This tactic aims to create the perception that the entire trial is biased and that the legal system, which is likely to issue a damning judgment against him, is corrupt.
Two lawyers representing Trump raised concerns about the behavior of the judges clerk, whom Trump has previously criticized online and received fines for violating a gag order. Engoron suggested that there may be a hint of sexism in the criticism directed towards the female clerk. During the trial, Trump attorney Chris Kise made an unusual statement, asserting, "I am not a misogynist. I am happily married and have a 17-year-old daughter." Another member of the Trump team, Alina Habba, then came to his defense, emphasizing that he is not a misogynist. Trump's team has accused the clerk of having a biased role in the case, much to Trump's displeasure. CNN legal analyst Shan Wu expressed his opinion that neither Eric Trump's testimony nor the strategy of attacking court personnel appeared to be a wise strategy.
"This strategy of completely distancing themselves and claiming ignorance regarding the financial statements, coupled with Eric's admission, greatly undermines their credibility," Wu expressed on "The Situation Room."
Regarding the objections to Engorons clerk, Wu further questioned, "I am unable to comprehend why his defense counsel is employing such a tactic in this case."
Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of the former president, has been trying to avoid testifying in the case next week after being dismissed as a defendant. Her lawyer argued that it would be burdensome for her to travel from her home in Florida, where she resides with three underage children, in the middle of a school week. Nevertheless, a higher court quickly denied the request to block the order for her testimony and postpone the trial until an appeal is heard by the New York appellate court.
In other cases, Trump plays for delays
Once again, a typical Trump legal tactic is being employed in Washington, DC, as his attorneys attempt to prolong his trial in the case of federal election interference, potentially pushing it beyond an election that could grant Trump the authority to thwart or dismantle numerous legal challenges posed against him, should he assume the role of the 47th President.
Trumps legal team requested Judge Tanya Chutkan to postpone a trial originally set for March, citing the ongoing GOP primary race. They are currently working on dismissing the case by arguing Trump's immunity from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. Additionally, his lawyers have also asked a judge in Florida to postpone a trial related to his handling of classified documents until after the November election.
While Trump's legal team has the right to explore all legal options to prepare for his trials, it is apparent that their tactics often aim to confuse the courts and prolong accountability, undermining the essence of these protective measures.
The notion that a president enjoys immunity from legal consequences for their actions while in office carries significant implications for the fundamental principles of limited presidential authority and the principle of equal treatment under the law. Such a concept could potentially create an environment where the constitutional boundaries of executive power, already tested during Trump's first term, are further stretched. Given Trump's growing inclination towards authoritarian behavior during his campaign, he has already pledged to his followers that a hypothetical second term would be marked by political "retribution."
