Trump's Legal System Assault Intensifies as Adult Sons Testify
Trump's relentless assault on the legal system intensifies as his adult sons bravely testify, revealing the tumultuous battle in court
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.
"It is distressing to witness my sons facing persecution in a political Witch Hunt orchestrated by an unruly, attention-seeking New York State Judge, focusing on a case that should have never been initiated," shared ex-President Donald Trump on his Truth Social. "Legal Scholars Cry Shame!"
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump on November 2.
Shannon Stapleton/Pool/Reuters
Key insights from the compelling testimonies of Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the New York fraud case. The former president wasted no time employing his tried-and-tested strategy of diverting attention, discrediting the opposition, and delaying proceedings, as he faces an extensive range of legal challenges, including four impending criminal trials that have the potential to impact his 2024 presidential ambitions.
Trump fights his cases outside the courtroom
Trump's recent criticism of Judge Arthur Engoron, who has previously held Trump, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organization accountable for fraud, not only serves as a preemptive strike before the ex-president's anticipated testimony in the civil trial on Monday but also provides a glimpse into how the more high-profile and criminal cases involving Trump could unfold in an unprecedented election year. As the campaign trail intersects with the courtrooms and crucial swing states, the peculiar proceedings at the New York court offer early insights.
Trumps legal defense now resembles his presidential campaign, as he navigates the courtroom pressures while presenting himself as a victim of political persecution. Just as he sullied the reputation of the US electoral system by falsely claiming election fraud, the former president is now attempting to discredit the courts, a vital component of American democracy. In a predictable fashion, he accuses President Joe Biden, the Justice Department, and various prosecutors of the very wrongdoing he himself committed, labeling the cases against him as "Election Interference."
Upon assuming the presidency, Trump entrusted his real estate firm to his two adult sons. However, despite their positions of authority, both claim to have had minimal involvement in handling their father's financial statements, which were utilized to secure loans on behalf of the company.
Eric Trump, during a lengthy discussion with Assistant New York Attorney General Andrew Amer regarding a development at a Trump golf course in New York, stated, "My focus is on construction, not appraisals."
The case revolves around accusations that Trump, along with his sons and their company, exaggerated the former president's personal wealth in order to obtain substantial financial advantages through loans and insurance policies. Although the case is a civil matter and does not allege any criminal misconduct, it could lead to substantial financial restitution and potentially prevent the company from conducting business in New York. As a result, this case holds significant importance for Trump's personal financial well-being, his legacy, and the future prospects of his family.
Tension arose when Amer seemingly succeeded in discrediting Eric Trump's assertion that he had limited involvement in his father's financial statements. "I acknowledge that our company had financials," Eric Trump stated. However, he clarified, "I personally had no knowledge of the statement of financial condition." Amer, however, presented him with an email dated 2013 from the company's former financial controller, Jeff McConney, seeking Eric's evaluation of a property, along with a supporting data spreadsheet.
"So, it seems you were aware of your father's annual financial statement as of August 20, 2013, correct?" Amer inquired. Eric Trump replied, "It appears so, yes."
Both Trump sons are essentially claiming that despite their involvement in running the company, they had no knowledge of its financial statements.
Earlier, Donald Trump Jr. had maintained that he was equally unaware of the specifics regarding his father's finances - despite his endorsement of them - and that he entrusted accountants to handle the details. Once his own testimony concluded, he confidently exited the courtroom, expressing satisfaction with how it went. This blatant and audacious dismissal of evidence contradicting such statements is yet another typical Trump maneuver. Following the former president's impeachment for attempting to leverage US military aid for political gain during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he stubbornly insisted that the call was "perfect."
Outside the courthouse on Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. employed his father's well-known political tactics, presenting himself as a blameless victim of an unjustified witch-hunt.
"In my opinion, things went exceptionally well if we were operating under the principles of rationality and sound business practices," he expressed. He further lamented, "Regrettably, the Attorney General has chosen to bring forward a completely politically motivated case against me."
Engoron has already decided against the Trumps on one claim related to persistent and repeated fraud. The current trial focuses on other claims of conspiracy and falsifying business records, as well as determining the potential amount the Republican front-runner and his companies may have to pay in restitution.
At the end of Thursday's court session, Trump's legal team employed another familiar strategy by criticizing court staff and the judge, aiming to create the perception that the entire trial is unfair and the legal system, which seems poised to issue a damning judgment against him, is corrupt.
Two lawyers representing Trump raised concerns about the behavior of a judge's clerk, whom Trump had previously criticized online, resulting in fines for violating a gag order. Engoron suggested that there may be a hint of gender bias in the criticism directed towards the female clerk. During a peculiar moment at the trial, Trump's attorney Chris Kise asserted, "I am not a misogynist. I am happily married and have a 17-year-old daughter." His colleague Alina Habba then spoke up to defend him and reinforce that he was not a misogynist. The Trump team has accused the clerk of improperly influencing the case, which has greatly angered Trump.
According to CNN legal analyst Shan Wu, neither the testimony of Eric Trump nor the strategy of attacking court personnel appeared to be a wise approach.
On "The Situation Room," Wu criticized the tactic employed by Engoron's defense counsel, who completely disassociated themselves and claimed ignorance of the financial statements. Wu believes that this strategy, coupled with Eric's admission, severely damages their credibility. Wu also expressed his bewilderment at why Engoron's defense counsel would utilize such a tactic.
Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of the former president, is seeking to avoid testifying in the upcoming case after being dismissed as a defendant. Her lawyer filed a request stating that it would cause her "undue hardship" to travel from her residence in Florida, where she resides with her three minor children, to appear in court during a school week. Nonetheless, the higher court promptly rejected the attempt to block the order for her testimony and halt the trial pending an appeal to the New York appellate court.
In other cases, Trump plays for delays
In Washington, DC, Trump's lawyers are utilizing another essential legal strategy, aiming to postpone his trial in the federal election interference case – potentially extending it until after an election that could grant Trump the authority to eliminate or disturb numerous legal challenges he faces as the potential 47th President.
Trumps legal team has requested Judge Tanya Chutkan to postpone a trial, originally scheduled for March, due to the ongoing GOP primary race. They argue that Trump should be immune from prosecution for any actions taken during his presidency. Additionally, his attorneys have asked a judge in Florida to delay the trial regarding his handling of classified documents until after the November election.
It is understandable that Trump's team wishes to explore all available legal options and ensure a fair hearing. However, throughout his extensive business and political career, Trump's legal tactics have appeared aimed at causing delays and undermining accountability, rather than upholding the principles of justice.
The notion that a president has complete immunity from legal consequences for his actions while in office poses significant threats to the fundamental principles of limited presidential authority and the notion of equality under the law. This would open the door for a potential second term for Trump, wherein the boundaries of executive power would be further tested. Trump, exhibiting increasingly authoritarian tendencies during his campaign, has already pledged to use a new term for political vengeance.
