Donald Trump takes stand at New York fraud trial; judge directs lawyer to ‘control his client’

Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, testified in a New York civil fraud trial on Monday. He stated that his company did not provide accurate estimates of many of his properties. He claimed that his company undervalued his Mar-a-Lago estate and Doral golf course in Florida, and overvalued his Trump Tower flat. However, he attempted to downplay the significance of these estimates, which state lawyers argued were inflated to secure better financing terms.

Trump has repeatedly labeled the case as a 'witch hunt' and accused Judge Arthur Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James of harboring political bias against him. He continued these complaints on the witness stand, accusing legal authorities of scrutinizing his business excessively following his 2016 presidential election victory. He expressed his certainty that the judge would rule against him, as he believed he always did. He also declared the trial to be 'very unfair. ' His remarks prompted a stern reprimand from Judge Engoron, who threatened to cut his testimony short.

The civil fraud case against Trump and his business could potentially tarnish his image, which he has cultivated over decades as a glamorous billionaire who frequents elegant resorts and premium golf courses bearing his name. Attorney General James is seeking US$250 million in fines, as well as restrictions that would prevent Trump and his sons, Eric and Donald Jnr, from conducting business in their home state. Both sons testified last week that they were unfamiliar with the details of the valuation documents, a claim that Trump echoed, attributing the majority of the work to accountants.