Tuesday 7 November 2023

Donald Trump clashes with judge in court appearance for New York civil fraud trial.

Extract from ABC News 

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Donald Trump has spectacularly clashed with a New York judge during a hostile and rambling court appearance in the fraud trial that threatens the future of his real estate empire.

"This is a very unfair trial – very, very – and I hope the public is watching," Mr Trump told Judge Arthur Engoron after being repeatedly admonished for his courtroom conduct.

Within an hour of Mr Trump taking the stand, the judge rebuked him for not answering questions, ordered him not to make political speeches, and asked his lawyer, Christopher Kise, to bring him under control.

"Mr Kise, can you control your client? This is not a political rally. This is a courtroom."

The judge has previously handed down a summary opinion, finding Mr Trump and his Trump Organization deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing assets and wealth when making deals and securing loans.

The judge sits at the bench. A large mural is behind him. His clerk is to his right. Both are looking at the camera.
Judge Arthur Engoron repeatedly rebuked Donald Trump for his courtroom conduct.(AP: Jefferson Siegel, The New York Times/Pool)

Attorney-General Letitia James wants the court to ban him and his two adult sons, Don Jr and Eric, from running businesses in New York. She is also seeking at least $US250 million ($390 million) in fines.

As she attempted to question Mr Trump about his involvement in valuing the assets, and whether he believed the valuations were legitimate, things erupted.

Mr Trump started railing against his perceived enemies in the room. When the judge advised Mr Trump to "read my opinion – perhaps for the first time", Mr Trump went on the attack.

"You're wrong in your opinion," he said.

"You ruled against me before knowing anything about me.

"It's a terrible thing you've done. You believed that political hack back there," he said, referring to Ms James.

Despite its irrelevance to the case, state lawyer Kevin Wallace said he didn't want to strike out the rambling answer because there were certain things in it he wanted on the record.

Donald Trump sits with lawyers at a desk in a courtroom. The public gallery behind him is full of people. Guards stand around.
Donald Trump risks losing control of his New York business empire in the high-stakes case.(AP: Curtis Means/Pool)

'The numbers, my friends, don't lie'

Last week, the court heard from Don Jr and Eric, who are executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization. They argued they were not aware of the financial statements that were used to secure loans and insurance, and they relied on others to make sure they were accurate.

But today, Mr Trump said that financial estimates of many of his properties were inaccurate. He downplayed the importance of those estimates, which New York state lawyers argue were inflated to achieve better terms on loans and insurance policies.

"They just weren't a very important element in the bank's decision-making process," he said. "And we'll explain that as this trial goes along – as this crazy trial goes along."

Trump has repeatedly said the case is "witch hunt" and has accused Judge Engoron and Ms James, who are Democrats, of being politically biased against him.

Speaking before today's session, he repeated his claim that Ms James was "racist" and the case was "political warfare as you would call it, or political 'lawfare'".

But Ms James told reporters outside: 

"At the end of the day, the only thing that matters are the facts and the numbers. The numbers, my friends, don't lie."

The civil case, which is separate to the four criminal indictments Mr Trump is facing, is a judge-only matter, with no jury.

Mr Trump's evidence is expected to conclude today. The hearing continues.

ABC/wires

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