Donald Trump Jr., on witness stand, touts father’s actual property imaginative and prescient
The Trump Organization kicked off its protection in opposition to a New York fraud lawsuit with a stroll down reminiscence lane as Donald Trump Jr. recounted how his grandfather and father acquired prized properties and constructed a worldwide model.
Mr. Trump Jr. extolled former President Donald Trump as an actual property visionary in describing Trump Tower, well-known golf golf equipment and different websites in his rebuttal to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ declare the Trump Organization crafted fraudulent monetary statements to achieve favorable phrases on loans and insurance coverage.
The protection is making the case that large banks weren’t victims as a result of they fortunately made cash by lending to the household, which oversaw a large luxurious portfolio.
Mr. Trump Jr., his father and his brother, Eric Trump, made related arguments underneath state questioning and mentioned they relied on accountants to forge the statements of monetary situation.
Ms. James’ facet rested its case days in the past, clearing the best way for Mr. Trump’s legal professionals to current their facet of the story at the beginning of the trial’s seventh week.
“You thought you were rid of me, your honor,” Mr. Trump Jr. quipped as he took the stand.
Trump household lawyer Cliff Robert led the questioning, which included a slide present of gleaming properties and Mr. Trump Jr.‘s description of family roles in the company.
Attorneys for Ms. James objected to the history lesson, though Judge Arthur Engoron said he found it “interesting” and would let Mr. Trump Jr. ” go ahead and say how great the Trump Organization is,” according to ABC News.
Before the trial, Judge Engoron ruled that some fraud occurred, handing Ms. James an early victory on one of her claims. The trial is to decide other claims and possible penalties.
The defense asked for an immediate, or directed, verdict in its favor after the state rested. The Trump team said Ms. James failed to prove her claims, though the judge deferred ruling on the motion and let the trial continue.
One of Mr. Trump’s legal professionals, Alina Habba, mentioned over the weekend she deliberate to maneuver for a mistrial “very soon.”
The solely drawback, she mentioned, was that Judge Engoron would make the choice.
Ahead of this week’s testimony, Mr. Trump Jr. attended an Ultimate Fighting Championship occasion at Madison Square Garden Saturday. He was a part of his father’s entourage that included UFC CEO Dana White, Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson.
“I can’t think of a better squad to roll with,” Mr. Trump Jr. wrote on the X platform.
• Mallory Wilson contributed to this story, which is predicated partly on wire service reviews.
