Donald Trump to testify in civil fraud trial today as business empire lies at stake
Donald Trump is expected to take the stand on Monday to testify in the civil fraud trial, a case that could well decide the fate of his business empire in New York, CNN reported.
The trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, is seeking USD 250 million in damages and barring the former president from doing business in the state.
James alleges that Trump and his co-defendants committed repeated fraud in inflating assets on financial statements to get better terms on commercial real estate loans and insurance policies, as per CNN.
While there are no criminal charges involved, the allegations have enraged the former president, who has attended the trial for multiple days and called it a «political witch hunt».
Before the trial began last month, Judge Arthur Engoron already ruled that Trump and his co-defendants, including his adult sons, were liable for «persistent and repeated» fraud. Now the judge is considering how much the Trumps will have to pay in damages for the profits they've allegedly garnered through fraudulent business practices.
The attorney general's office is also looking to prove six other claims: falsifying business records, conspiracy to falsify business records, issuing false financial statements, conspiracy to falsify false financial statements, insurance fraud, and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud., CNN reported.
On the other hand, Trump has relentlessly attacked James for bringing the case against him.
