For Donald Trump, the New York fraud trial is about the future of his corporate empire. On the last day of the trial, not only the defense and prosecution made their pleas, but also the ex-US President.
“They have no facts. They have no evidence against us. Years of litigation and everything politically motivated. It’s a shame to have to go through this. Now we’ll see if we can expect an honest verdict.” Donald Trump was back in his element on the final day of his fraud trial in New York. While the prosecution’s lawyers once again detailed the allegations against Trump’s corporate empire, the Trump Organization, in their closing argument, the ex-US President spoke himself into a rage.
Talk, yes, but no election campaign, please
Trump had already announced in advance of the appointment that he wanted to speak out himself. Judge Arthur Engoron set conditions for this, which were then not accepted by Trump’s lawyers. Engoron had, among other things, demanded that Trump not misuse the plea as a campaign speech. During their closing arguments, Trump’s defense attorneys again asked that Trump be allowed to speak – and Engoron granted their request.
Once again, the defendant described himself as an “innocent man” in the Manhattan courtroom. Attorney General Letitia James hates him and Judge Arthur Engoron has “his own agenda,” complained Trump, who had previously insulted the two in and outside the courtroom several times and had already received a fine for it. Judge Engoron urged Trump’s lawyers to rein in their client.
It’s about the future of Donald Trump’s company
The civil case is about the future of the 77-year-old’s corporate empire. Prosecutors accused Trump, his sons and employees of manipulating the value of the Trump Organization for years in order to obtain cheaper loans and insurance contracts. Judge Engoron had already confirmed this before the trial. The case could still go to appeal following a ruling expected by the end of the month.
Trump’s defense attorneys once again denied any wrongdoing by their client and his sons Eric and Donald Jr. The public prosecutor’s office is demanding a penalty of 370 million US dollars, the equivalent of around 340 million euros. The responsible attorney general, James, was also in the courtroom. “I am proud of the case we have brought and am confident that the facts and the rule of law are on our side,” she previously said.
According to the responsible police authority, a few hours before the closing arguments began, there was a bomb threat against Engoron’s home outside the metropolis of New York. According to initial findings, there were no injuries or property damage.
Trump is the most promising candidate
The former head of state of the USA wants to be re-elected in 2024. He is the most promising candidate for the Republican nomination. According to many observers, he used the trial as election advertising and repeatedly claimed that the trial was part of a political campaign against him. During the trial, both Trump himself and his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka were questioned.
Sources: DPA, AP
