Donald Trump will take the witness stand in a New York court on Monday in a civil fraud trial that threatens to destroy the real estate empire that built his reputation before entering politics.
The former US president will have to answer questions about questionable accounting practices that have already been ruled fraudulent by the court.
According to New York State lawyers, these methods got him favourable financing terms, increasing the value of his golf courses, residential towers and other assets at a time when many lenders refused to deal with him. Lawyers have estimated that such activities earned him $100 million and exaggerated his fortune by $2 billion. Trump denies wrongdoing.
This civil trial does not threaten Trump with jail time, unlike the four criminal cases, as he reclaims the White House.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a $250 million fine against Trump, as well as restrictions that would prevent Trump and his sons Eric and Donald Jr. from doing business in their home state.
Justice Arthur Engoron has already cancelled the certificates of the companies controlling a large part of his business. However, that order is on hold while the appeal is pending. Evidence presented at trial showed that company officials, including Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr, were involved in attempts to manipulate the appraised value of trophy properties such as the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
One witness, his former lawyer and aide Michael Cohen, testified that Trump instructed him to falsify financial statements to increase its value.
Trump’s campaign used the lawsuit as a fundraising opportunity, writing at the outset on 2 October that he was defending his family and reputation against New York Democrats, whom he called “corrupt tyrants”.
Republican voters seem unconcerned about his legal troubles. According to polls, he has a comfortable lead in the race for that party’s presidential nomination.
The trial was previously scheduled to last until early December. However, it may end earlier, as the state will call the last witnesses this week. It is not yet known how many witnesses the defence will call.
