Former President Donald Trump and key interests close to him remain on trial in New York after civil allegations from the state’s Attorney General Letitia James of fraud — portions of which the presiding judge has already backed. As trial got moving again Tuesday, with the former president again present, James posted online in general defense of her case.
“Regardless of Donald Trump’s fantasy beliefs, here are the facts: He inflated his personal net worth and engaged in years of financial fraud to enrich himself and his family. The law applies equally to everyone, including Donald Trump,” a Tuesday statement on James’ X (Twitter) account said.
Trial on Tuesday was featuring testimony from none other than Michael Cohen, the very infamous former Trump ally who has long since made a very public break with the former president. Trump himself hasn’t been obliged to be present for trial, and he’s skipped large portions of the proceedings, but he showed up on Tuesday. The day also saw arguments over potential threats from COVID-19 after several individuals on James’ team tested positive, with exposure concerns having already delayed proceedings the preceding day. Trump attorney Christopher Kise melodramatically asserted he’d be “in shackles” if he’d failed to meet reporting expectations for positive tests showing COVID-19, as James’ team supposedly did.
James’ team pointed in turn to the judge’s decision to keep the court proceedings moving. “Our office properly notified the court and defendants’ counsel, and the court decided to proceed with trial today,” a spokesperson from James’ team said, as relayed on Tuesday by CNN. “If there were any concerns, defendants’ could wear masks today or at any point, but they have opted not to.”
Trump, meanwhile, continues his campaign of what’s essentially attempted intimidation directed at James and others. A gag order previously imposed by the judge in that case does not cover comments made about that top prosecutor. Trump also continues speaking… bizarrely. In a speech this week, he made a big deal about noticing that the word “us” and the initials for the United States — meaning “U.S.” — featured the same two letters.
Regardless of Donald Trump’s fantasy beliefs, here are the facts:
He inflated his personal net worth and engaged in years of financial fraud to enrich himself and his family.
The law applies equally to everyone, including Donald Trump.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 24, 2023
