Donald Trump Jr. Denies Involvement in Central Documents of His Father’s Fraud Case

Donald Trump Jr., on Wednesday, clarified that he had never been involved in the preparation of his father’s financial statements. These documents have become crucial in the ongoing civil fraud trial that poses significant challenges to former President Donald Trump’s real estate dynasty.

Donald Trump Jr., holding the title of executive vice president in the Trump Organization and formerly a trustee of the trust holding the organization’s assets during his father’s presidency, responded to the specific language in one of the annual financial statements. This language indicated that trustees “hold responsibility” for the document. However, Trump Jr. emphatically stated he couldn’t recall any involvement in these financial statements and claimed to have “no precise awareness” of them.

The legal battle revolves around allegations that the former president, along with his business, provided misleading information to banks and insurance companies by exaggerating his net worth in these financial statements. All accused parties, including Donald Trump Jr. and his brother, Eric, have refuted these allegations.

During his testimony, Trump Jr. confirmed that while he approved statements in his role as a trustee, he entrusted the document’s actual preparation to external accounting experts and the then chief of finance for the company, Allen Weisselberg.

“I entrusted those with expertise in these matters,” Trump Jr. commented. He further added, “Although I wasn’t directly involved in the document’s creation, I relied on their thorough knowledge when they confirmed its accuracy based on their financial assessment.”

Donald Trump Jr. was the initial member of the Trump family to testify and is slated to resume his testimony on Thursday. Following him, Eric Trump and subsequently their father, the central figure of the family and the Trump Organization, and potential 2024 Republican candidate, are scheduled to testify. Ivanka Trump, previously associated with the Trump Organization and also a former White House advisor, is set to appear on November 8. However, her legal team has recently challenged Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling that mandates her testimony.

The lawsuit was initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accuses Donald Trump, his enterprise, and senior executives, inclusive of Eric and Donald Jr., of artificially inflating Donald Trump’s assets by billions on his financial statements. These documents were presented to various banks and insurance companies for securing loans and finalizing deals.

The former president has vehemently labeled the lawsuit as unfounded and politically motivated. Despite Judge Engoron’s prior declaration of the financial statements as fraudulent, the matter remains contested. An appeals court has momentarily prevented any enforcement.

During his recent appearance, Trump Jr. remained composed, making a light remark about needing makeup. However, on a more severe note, he insinuated that any inconsistencies in the financial documents might be attributed to the Trump Organization’s principal external accountant, Donald Bender. Last month, Bender testified, suggesting that the Trump Organization occasionally withheld requisite information for these statements.

Outside the courtroom, Trump Jr. has frequently voiced his criticisms of the lawsuit and the presiding judge. State attorneys have probed other witnesses about the roles of the Trump offspring in the Trump Organization and their historical participation in valuating their father’s assets and drafting his financial statements.

Earlier in the trial, short excerpts from the depositions of both Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were presented during the opening statements on October 2.

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More about Donald Trump Jr. testimony

• Donald Trump Jr. Testimony Overview
• Civil Fraud Trial Against Trump Organization
• New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Allegations
• Donald Trump’s Financial Statements Examination
• Role of External Accountants in Trump Organization