Donald Trump says he will be in courtroom for New York trial scrutinizing his business practices

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Former President Donald Trump has declared his intention to appear voluntarily in court on Monday as a civil trial begins, scrutinizing allegations of fraudulent business practices that have cast a shadow over his real estate holdings. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized his commitment to defending his name and reputation, while taking aim at New York Attorney General Letitia James, who instigated the lawsuit, and Judge Arthur Engoron, presiding over the non-jury trial, who recently ruled in favor of fraud in Trump’s business dealings.

This legal battle marks the culmination of an extensive investigation by James, who accused Trump and his company of a consistent pattern of misrepresenting his wealth in financial statements. Last week, Judge Engoron delivered a significant blow to Trump by ruling in favor of the lawsuit’s primary claim before the trial even commenced. The ruling asserted that Trump habitually misled banks, insurers, and others by inflating the value of assets in documentation used for deals and loans.

Noteworthy is the extensive list of potential witnesses in this trial, including Trump’s two eldest sons, Trump Organization executives, and former lawyer-turned-opponent Michael Cohen. While Trump is not expected to testify for several weeks, his decision to appear in court on Monday is a departure from his previous avoidance of courtroom appearances in similar cases.

This trial carries higher stakes as James seeks $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump conducting business in New York. Judge Engoron’s ruling, if upheld on appeal, could also lead to the appointment of a court receiver, potentially resulting in Trump relinquishing control of prized New York properties, including Trump Tower, a Wall Street office building, golf courses, and a suburban estate, a situation Trump has described as a “corporate death penalty.”

Trump has not minced words in expressing his discontent with the legal proceedings, accusing Judge Engoron of bias and unfairness. The remaining claims in James’ lawsuit, which include allegations of conspiracy, falsifying business records, and insurance fraud, will also be decided by Judge Engoron.

James’ lawsuit alleges a litany of falsehoods in Trump’s financial statements, claiming that he exaggerated his wealth by as much as $3.6 billion. Among these allegations is Trump’s assertion that his Trump Tower apartment in Manhattan, valued at an astonishing $327 million, was nearly three times its actual size and worth. Likewise, Trump’s valuation of Mar-a-Lago at $739 million was deemed greatly inflated by James, who pointed out that deed terms prohibit its development for residential use.

Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that the disclaimers on his financial statements absolve him of any liability. He has maintained that no one suffered financial harm due to the information in these statements, as banks were repaid, business partners profited, and his company thrived.

This trial is just one of several legal challenges facing Trump as he continues to be a prominent figure in the political landscape. The trial, expected to extend into December, adds another layer of complexity to his already intricate legal situation.

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More about Trump Business Trial

• Donald Trump’s Civil Trial: What to Know
• New York Attorney General Letitia James
• Judge Arthur Engoron
• Trump Organization
• Truth Social
• Trump Tower
• Mar-a-Lago