In a civil fraud trial taking place in New York, former President Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is providing testimony, a proceeding that may significantly restrict the
family's business activities within the state.
Donald Trump Jr.'s testimony began on Wednesday, and his siblings, Eric and Ivanka, will also testify later during the trial. The former president's sons hold executive positions within the Trump Organization and are co-defendants in the case. They are accused of falsifying business records and engaging in insurance fraud, allegations they deny.
The $250 million (£206 million) fraud trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, claims that the former president exaggerated the value of his properties. The trial aims to determine penalties and whether the defendants violated any state laws in New York.
Who is Testifying and When? Donald Trump Jr. testified on Wednesday, dressed in a blue suit and a bright pink tie. He addressed topics such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) during his testimony. Donald Jr. mentioned he was not well-versed in GAAP, deferring to the guidance of his accountants. After testifying on Thursday, Eric Trump is expected to take the stand.
Ivanka Trump, who initially faced charges as a defendant, will be called to testify as a witness. The prosecution alleges she played a key role in negotiating with Deutsche Bank for significant loans at the heart of the case.
Donald Trump Jr.'s and Eric Trump's Involvement: Both Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were deeply involved in the operation of the Trump Organization while their father was in the Oval Office. They held titles of executive vice-president in the company and had access to the organization's true financial performance.
Eric Trump has been associated with luxury golf developments and denied his involvement in valuing Trump golf courses. During his pre-trial deposition, he maintained that his focus was on practical operations rather than appraisals. Both brothers have denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.
Ivanka Trump's Testimony: Ivanka Trump was a primary contact and negotiator with Deutsche Bank for several high-profile loans at the center of the case. The prosecution contends that she remained financially and professionally connected to the Trump Organization. While serving as the executive vice-president for development and acquisition at the organization, she left to work as an adviser in the White House in 2017.
Notably, Ivanka Trump was initially a defendant in the lawsuit, but an appeals court dismissed the case against her due to statute of limitations issues. Her father's legal team claimed that New York Attorney General Letitia James was attempting to burden and harass her by compelling her to testify, a claim dismissed by Judge Engoron.
Donald Trump's Reaction: Donald Trump reacted with anger to the news of his children testifying. He posted a message to the judge on his Truth Social account, expressing his desire for his children to be left alone. He labeled Judge Engoron as a disgrace to the legal profession. He also criticized the case as a "Witch Hunt" and a "hoax."
The case includes former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg as another co-defendant, who has previously pleaded guilty to tax crimes. Jeff McConney, a former Trump Organization executive, was granted immunity in the case and testified against the Trumps, revealing assistance provided to executives in avoiding taxes and inflating the former president's assets. Photo by U.S. Department of State from United States, Wikimedia commons.