Début du procès pour fraude civile de Trump à New York : mises à jour en direct

Donald Trump faces civil fraud trial in New York City

Former President Donald Trump and his eldest sons are currently facing a civil fraud trial in New York City. The trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump and his co-defendants committed repeated fraud by inflating asset valuations on financial statements. Last week, a state Supreme Court judge found Trump and his co-defendants liable for fraud, which was a significant victory for James. The judge overseeing the trial, Arthur Engoron, has already ruled that Trump and his co-defendants are liable for « persistent and repeated » fraud. Trump has claimed that the case is part of an attempt to harm his campaign and has attacked James and other officials involved in the trial.

Opening statements and judge’s role in the trial

Opening statements have begun in the civil fraud trial against Donald Trump and his associates. Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the trial, has denied media outlets’ request to allow a camera in the courtroom for opening statements. Engoron has stated that he expects to have minimal involvement during the trial, only needing to make decisions such as calling for breaks or ruling on objections. The trial was initially expected to last up to three months, but it may be shorter now that the fraud claim has already been settled.

Trump’s claims and courtroom dynamics

Before entering the courtroom, Donald Trump claimed that the civil fraud trial against him is a continuation of the « greatest witch hunt of all time. » He accused New York Attorney General Letitia James of using the case to further her political ambitions. Inside the courtroom, Trump was seated with his attorneys, while James sat on the prosecution’s side. Trump walked directly in front of James without acknowledging her presence. He also asserted that his financial statements are « phenomenal » and that no banks were affected by his actions.

Keywords: Donald Trump, civil fraud trial, New York City, fraud, asset valuations, financial statements, New York Attorney General, Letitia James, opening statements, Judge Arthur Engoron, witch hunt, political ambitions, financial statements, banks.