When it comes to $250 million and his skyscraper, Donald Trump personally comes to his fraud trial in New York. At the start, the former US President has a clear message.
Former US President Donald Trump has personally faced a fraud trial in New York that could destroy his business empire in the metropolis. The 77-year-old appeared in court in Manhattan for a civil case brought against him by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James.
She accuses Trump, his sons and senior employees of manipulating the value of his Trump Organization for years in order to obtain more favorable conditions for loans and insurance contracts.
The process could take months
In a preliminary ruling last week, New York judge Arthur Engoron had already confirmed this in part. The procedure is now about the exact determination of possible punishments as well as open accusations. Trump is not threatened with prison, nor will it affect his bid for the presidency. The process could drag on for months.
James wants to ensure that Trump has to pay 250 million US dollars (around 237 million euros) and is no longer allowed to do business in New York. It is unclear whether he would also have to give up properties such as his famous Trump Tower on 5th Avenue if he is convicted.
Trump used the attention before the start of the trial for a message that was reminiscent of a campaign appearance: “This is the continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time,” he said, alluding to a series of accusations against him. The allegations are untenable, the judge is a villain and the black prosecutor James is a “racist” who “wanted to get Trump before she knew anything about me.”
James: “Showing the extent of his fraud”
In a statement, James accused Trump of “falsely inflating his net worth for years” in order to enrich himself and thereby defraud institutions. She looks forward to showing the full extent of his fraud during the trial. Regardless of how rich or powerful you are, the laws apply equally to all people, it said.
There were increased security measures in front of the court, there were many barriers, police and media representatives and a few pro-Trump demonstrators. The former president wants to be re-elected US president next year and is clearly ahead of his internal party rivals in the Republican field.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
