Donald Trump Jr. is returning to the stand as defense looks to undercut New York civil fraud claims

Donald Trump Jr. is set to reappear on the witness stand in the ongoing New York civil fraud trial that poses a significant threat to his father’s real estate empire. After an unsuccessful attempt to secure an early verdict, Trump’s legal team will now present their own witnesses.

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the former president and an executive vice president at the Trump Organization, previously testified on November 1 and 2. During his testimony, he stated that he was not involved in the preparation of the annual financial statements at the center of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. He relied on the company’s longtime finance chief and external accountants to verify the accuracy of these financial statements.

Letitia James has alleged that Donald Trump, his company, and key executives, including Eric and Donald Jr., overstated his wealth by billions of dollars in these financial statements provided to banks, insurers, and other parties. These documents were used to secure loans and negotiate business deals. She seeks more than $300 million in what she claims are ill-gotten gains and a prohibition on the defendants from conducting business in New York.

Before the trial began, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that the defendants engaged in fraud by inflating Donald Trump’s net worth and the value of his assets in these financial statements. This ruling could potentially lead to Trump losing prominent properties like Trump Tower, although an appeals court has allowed him to retain control for the time being.

The Trump family has consistently denied any wrongdoing, with their legal team arguing that the state has failed to meet the necessary legal standards to prove allegations of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsification of business records. The state concluded its case after six weeks of testimony from numerous witnesses, including company insiders, accountants, bank officials, and former Trump associate Michael Cohen.

The trial continues after the defense’s request for an early end through a directed verdict was denied by Judge Engoron. Trump’s attorney, Christopher Kise, contended that the state’s case revolved around successful and profitable loan transactions with no clear victim or injury.

Donald Trump Jr., echoing his father’s sentiments, has characterized the case as a “purely political persecution” orchestrated by Letitia James, a Democrat, to hinder Trump’s chances as the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

On Monday, Donald Trump Jr. will be questioned by the defense lawyers representing him, his father, and other defendants. A state attorney is also expected to cross-examine him. Trump Jr.’s testimony is anticipated to span Monday and Tuesday, followed by the testimony of a tax lawyer who also appeared as a state witness.

The defense intends to call several expert witnesses to counter the testimony of state witnesses who asserted that Trump’s financial statements resulted in favorable loan terms, insurance premiums, and played a role in business transactions.

When Donald Trump assumed the presidency in 2017, he delegated the day-to-day management of his company to Eric and Donald Trump Jr. and designated Trump Jr. as a trustee of a trust established to hold his assets while in office. During his earlier testimony, Trump Jr. clarified that he did not work on his father’s “statement of financial condition” and relied on individuals with intimate knowledge of these matters, including outside accountants and the company’s then-finance chief, Allen Weisselberg, to ensure accuracy. He emphasized his trust in their expertise and assessment of the materials presented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trump Jr. Testifies

More about Trump Jr. Testifies

• New York Times coverage of the trial
• CNN’s reporting on the civil fraud trial
• Official website of New York Attorney General Letitia James
• Trump Organization’s official website
• CNN’s profile on Donald Trump Jr.