Justice
Trump’s children testify in New York fraud trial
Eric Trump (M) and his lawyers Alina Habba (l) and Clifford Robert sit in the courtroom at the New York Supreme Court. Photo
© Shannon Stapleton/Pool Reuters/AP/dpa
There are several trials underway against former US President Donald Trump. A fraud trial in New York involves $250 million. Even his children testify – and soon he himself too.
According to consistent media reports, Donald Trump Jr. said that he did “everything and everything” for the Trump Organization – but he didn’t bother with the billing. “I’ll leave that to my accountants.” Eric Trump also testified on Wednesday that he never looked into communications about the Trump Organization’s financial situation. “I don’t think I ever saw or worked on a financial statement. I don’t think I would have known about it – that’s not what I was responsible for.”
There could be major business damage
The fraud trial involves allegations by the public prosecutor’s office that the ex-president, his sons and employees manipulated the value of the Trump Organization for years in order to obtain cheaper loans and insurance contracts. The Republican Trump is not threatened with a prison sentence or a direct impact on his presidential candidacy, but a conviction could cause him great business damage.
Because of numerous verbal gaffes by Donald Trump, who was personally present at the trial several times, Judge Arthur Engoron has already threatened the ex-president with serious consequences and imposed a fine.
The former president wants to be re-elected next year. He is the most promising candidate for the Republican nomination. According to many observers, he is using the process as election advertising.