In the final hours of his New York fraud trial, former President Donald Trump delivered a passionate closing argument, accusing the judge and attorney general of pursuing a political agenda against him. The stakes are high for Trump, as the New York Attorney General is seeking $370 million in damages and the end of Trump's business dealings in the state. The trial, which has already found Trump liable for fraud, will determine the final ruling and potential financial repercussions.
Trump's Allegations and Defiant Stance
Trump vehemently asserted that the case was politically motivated and described it as a "witch hunt" against an innocent man. He claimed that the trial was a form of election interference, with New York Attorney General Letitia James harboring a personal dislike for him. Despite objections raised by the judge, Trump was allowed to deliver his closing arguments, in which he criticized the judge and government lawyers.
The Judge's Response and Skepticism
State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron expressed skepticism about the case against Trump's sons, questioning whether there was sufficient evidence to prove their knowledge of the alleged fraud. Engoron has already ruled in favor of Trump being liable for fraud and has ordered the cancellation of his business certificates in New York, which Trump referred to as a "corporate death penalty." However, the judge has yet to decide on the financial penalties.
Bomb Scare and Extra Security Measures
The closing arguments were not without their share of drama, as a bomb threat was reported at Engoron's home on the same day. Despite the disruption, the trial proceeded as planned, with heightened security measures in and around the courthouse. The authorities ultimately found no evidence of any danger, deeming it a case of "swatting."
The Allegations and the Potential Consequences
The lawsuit alleges that Trump, his company, and his sons inflated his personal wealth and misrepresented the value of his real estate assets to gain advantages in loans and insurance. Engoron ruled that Trump had committed fraud by inflating property values and providing false financial statements. The case has the potential to prevent Trump from participating in the real estate industry in New York and could result in hefty financial penalties.
Trump's Defense and Claims of No Victims
Throughout the trial, Trump and his family members, including his sons and daughter Ivanka, testified in their defense. They argued that they relied on experts and professionals to manage their financial records and claimed that there were no victims in the case since lenders such as Deutsche Bank were aware of the need for due diligence. Trump asserted that the case was a form of election interference and accused the attorney general of seeking limitless power.
In conclusion, Donald Trump's New York fraud trial has reached its closing arguments, with Trump vehemently denying the allegations and accusing the judge and attorney general of pursuing a political agenda. The judge's ruling will determine the extent of Trump's liability and the potential financial consequences. As the trial comes to an end, the implications for Trump's future business ventures and his political aspirations are significant.
Author's note: The original article, titled "Control your client: Takeaways from closing arguments in Donald Trump's NY real estate fraud trial," can be found here.