Donald Trump Jr is set to testify again in New York as defence lawyers for the Trump family firm present their case in the $250 million fraud trial. Trump Jr is the first witness from the defence’s list, which includes Donald Trump and Eric Trump, though it remains uncertain if they will be called to testify.
The New York attorney general’s office is suing the Trump Organization executives, including Trump Jr, for allegedly inflating asset values on financial statements. The case, which could result in a fine of at least $250 million if found guilty, saw the prosecution rest their case after Ivanka Trump’s testimony last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a New York judge has already ruled that Trump should have his business licenses revoked for fraud, pending an appellate court review.
Trump Jr previously testified on November 1, asserting that he did not work on the financial statements in question, despite signing multiple documents affirming their accuracy. He suggested that banks should conduct their own “due diligence” rather than relying on the financial statements.
During his first appearance, Trump Jr was not questioned by his team. Now, his lawyers aim to argue that lenders were not harmed and actively sought relationships with the Trump family.
Throughout the trial, the Trumps have downplayed the significance of the financial statements, emphasising that they were handled by the organisation’s accountants and legal departments.
Despite evidence showing their involvement in the financial statements, the Trumps claim not to recall working on or using them. When Donald Trump himself testified, he criticised the judge and New York Attorney General Letitia James, while his children, especially Ivanka Trump, sought to undermine the importance of the financial statements.
Trump’s defence team plans to conclude witness testimonies by December 15, with the trial scheduled to run until December 22, though it could potentially conclude earlier.
Source: SABC
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