After judge’s rebuke, Trump returns to court for 3rd day for fraud lawsuit trial

Former President Donald Trump resumed his presence in the New York civil fraud trial on the third consecutive day, following a reprimand from the presiding judge. This legal battle stems from allegations brought forth by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claims that Trump and his business engaged in deceptive practices involving financial statements that substantially exaggerated his wealth, thereby deceiving banks, insurers, and other parties.

Judge Arthur Engoron, who has already ruled in favor of the fraud claims, contending that Trump inflated the values of his valuable assets, such as his Trump Tower penthouse, is overseeing the trial. If this ruling stands, it could potentially result in Trump losing control over his iconic skyscraper and other properties. However, Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing. On the day of his courtroom appearance, he continued to employ his familiar rhetoric, describing James as “incompetent,” accusing her of being part of a broader Democratic strategy to undermine his 2024 presidential prospects, and labeling the trial as “a disgrace.”

Throughout this legal ordeal, Trump has often expressed his grievances in both the courthouse hallway and on social media platforms, targeting not only the trial but also James and Judge Arthur Engoron, who share his Democratic affiliation. However, Trump’s online criticism took a more serious turn when he targeted Engoron’s principal law clerk. In response, Judge Engoron imposed a limited gag order, instructing all participants in the trial to refrain from personal attacks on court staff. The judge specifically directed Trump to remove a “disparaging, untrue, and personally identifying post,” which the former president promptly complied with.

The trial, which is being heard without a jury, revolves around six remaining claims from the lawsuit following Engoron’s pretrial ruling. Its primary purpose is to determine the extent of potential penalties that Trump may face. Attorney General Letitia James seeks $250 million in damages and a prohibition on Trump conducting business in New York.

In the most recent proceedings, an accountant who had prepared Trump’s financial statements for an extended period continued to testify as a witness for the state. James’ legal team aims to establish that Trump and his company had complete control over the preparation of these financial statements. The accountant, Donald Bender, testified that the Trump Organization did not always provide all the necessary documents for the statements, despite their letters attesting to the provision of all financial records and the absence of “knowingly withheld” relevant data.

During cross-examination, Bender conceded that he had missed a change in information regarding the size of the former president’s Trump Tower apartment. Defense lawyer Jesus M. Suarez seized upon this revelation, asserting that Trump’s company and employees faced considerable difficulties due to this oversight. Bender responded by clarifying that the error was not on their end but was a mistake made by the Trump Organization.

Looking ahead, it is expected that Trump himself will take the stand later in the trial to provide his own testimony.

For more updates on this trial, you can follow Mike Sisak at x.com/mikesisak, and if you have confidential tips, please visit https://www.ap.org/tips.

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• Testimony of accountant Donald Bender
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