Donald Trump attends court, calls New York fraud trial a ‘scam’
The Hindu
Trial begins in NY fraud case vs. Trump, with state lawyers vowing to hold him accountable and him denouncing it as a politically motivated “scam.” State seeks $250M in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in NY. Judge Engoron already ruled Trump committed fraud, which could cost him control of prized properties. Trump denies wrongdoing, says judge is out to get him. Case could last into Dec. and is one of several legal headaches for Trump as he campaigns for White House.
The fraud lawsuit that could cost former U.S. President Donald Trump control of some of his most prized properties went to trial on Monday, with New York State lawyers vowing to hold him accountable while he denounced the case as a politically motivated “scam.”
The civil case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses the business-mogul-turned-politician and his company of deceiving banks, insurers and others by habitually misstating his wealth in financial statements.
“They were lying year after year after year,” Kevin Wallace, a lawyer in Ms. James' office, said in an opening statement as Mr. Trump sat at the defence table. He looked straight ahead, arms crossed, facing away from the screen that showed details of Mr. Wallace's presentation.
Defence lawyer Christopher Kise, in his opening, said that the financial statements were true, and he suggested the proof was in the outcome of Mr. Trump's business career.
“He has made a fortune, literally, being right about real estate investments," Mr. Kise said.
Mr. Trump showed up voluntarily for the trial, with his control over Trump Tower and some other major real estate holdings in jeopardy.
“This is a continuation of the single greatest witch hunt of all time,” the Republican said as he approached the courtroom, reiterating claims that Ms. James, a Democrat, is trying to thwart his return to the White House.
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