In the final hours of Donald Trump’s New York real estate fraud trial, government lawyers argued that the former president defrauded lenders and insurers by inflating the value of his real estate. However, Trump countered these claims, asserting that there were no victims as lenders were repaid. The trial, which spanned 44 days, began with a bomb scare and witnessed a culmination of events, including a contentious Trump rant and a rebuke from the judge, State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, who implored, “Control your client.”
Trump, facing allegations of exaggerating personal wealth and property values, characterized the case as politically motivated and brought for publicity. He labeled it a “political witch hunt,” particularly targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James, the driving force behind the legal action. Despite earlier restrictions on Trump’s ability to give closing arguments due to concerns about adherence to facts and law, Engoron eventually allowed him to speak.
The judge had already found Trump liable for fraud and ordered the cancellation of his certificates to conduct business in New York – a penalty Trump likened to the “corporate death penalty.” However, the judge has yet to rule on the potential financial consequences, with James seeking $370 million from multiple defendants, predominantly holding Trump accountable for the lion’s share.
During closing arguments, government lawyer Kevin Wallace contended that the trial revealed intentional fraud on the part of Trump and his co-defendants. Wallace emphasized settled factual details, including inaccurate statements about property details and false financial statements spanning from 2011 to 2021.
Despite Trump’s criticisms throughout the trial, the judge expressed skepticism regarding the case against Trump’s sons, Don Jr. and Eric, questioning the evidence of their awareness of fraud. Engoron indicated a desire to issue a decision by January 31, though a guarantee was not provided.
Trump’s criticism extended to the judge and government lawyers, with the former president fined for violations of a gag order and appealing these fines, which were upheld by an appeals court. In the closing arguments, Trump directed his ire at Engoron and James, accusing them of having their own agendas. The judge reminded Trump’s lawyer to “please control your client.”
The day’s proceedings were not without additional challenges, as a bomb threat was reported at Engoron’s home, though it did not lead to a delay in the trial. The incident was described as a case of apparent “swatting,” prompting increased security measures around the courthouse.
The lawsuit, initiated by James, alleged that Trump and his company, along with his sons and company executives, overstated Trump’s wealth and property values to gain advantages in loans and insurance. Engoron’s previous ruling found Trump liable for repeated fraud, with consequences potentially impacting his ability to conduct business and costing him substantial financial penalties.
Trump and his sons, along with daughter Ivanka, who is no longer a defendant, testified during the trial. Trump maintained that lenders were not victimized, as they were aware of the need to scrutinize his financial records, and loans were repaid with interest. He characterized the case as “election interference at the highest level” and a “disgrace.”
As the trial awaits a final decision, the complex legal battle unfolds against the backdrop of political tensions and allegations of a politically motivated prosecution.