1 year ago
NEW YORK — Former President Donald Trump arrived in court Monday to attend a civil trial in a lawsuit accusing him of extensive business fraud, entering the courtroom with a scowl on his face.
The lawsuit from New York Attorney General Tish James’ office alleges Trump, his adult sons, his companies and some of his business associates fraudulently inflated his net worth in order to obtain favorable terms from banks and insurance companies.
James herself also attended the trial Monday, sitting in the first row of spectators. Trump, wearing a navy suit and bright blue tie, walked directly in front of James as he entered the courtroom, but didn’t look at her or interact with her.
The former president’s son Eric Trump, a defendant in the case, also appeared in court.
Opening arguments were set to begin before Justice Arthur Engoron on Monday, the first day of the trial. There is no jury selection because the trial is a bench trial, meaning Engoron will resolve the case.
Trump’s last appearance in a New York courthouse was in April for his arraignment on criminal charges related to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is scheduled to go to trial in that case next year and is also under criminal indictment in three other cases in Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.
A smattering of protesters appeared outside the courthouse Monday, some of them chanting, “Trump lies all the time.”
Last week, Engoron delivered a potentially devastating ruling for Trump’s family business, finding Trump liable for widespread fraud and revoking the licenses for some of his flagship properties, including Trump Tower and the Trump International Hotel.
The ruling means the trial will focus in part on the punishments Trump will now face. They could be severe: Attorney General Tish James is asking for $250 million and a ban on Trump running businesses in the state.
The trial beginning Monday will address what Trump, his businesses, his adult sons and his business associates did with that false information. According to James, they used it to commit insurance fraud, and to gain tax benefits.
English (US)