“In a recent development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his decision not to testify on Monday in the ongoing legal proceedings led by New York’s Attorney General Letitia James, a member of the Democratic Party. The trial, presided over by Judge Arthur Engoron, also a Democrat, is nearing its conclusion.
Trump expressed his position through a series of extensive posts on Truth Social, stating, ‘With our final expert witness providing compelling and unchallenged testimony, which will wrap up on Tuesday, and having already given my complete testimony, I see no further need to participate. This entire ordeal is nothing but a politically motivated witch hunt by the Biden campaign, aimed at disrupting business in New York.’
Letitia James, who pledged to target Trump during her election campaign, has initiated a civil lawsuit against him, seeking $250 million and aiming to bar him from managing his businesses in New York. Trump has criticized this move, claiming that a summary judgment made by Engoron even before the trial commenced bypassed due process and infringed upon his constitutional right to a fair trial.
In his Truth Social posts, Trump defended his actions, asserting, ‘I’ve given a thorough and transparent account in this biased trial steered by the New York State Attorney General at the behest of Biden. Esteemed experts and professionals in banking, insurance, and real estate, all credible and honest, have affirmed the legitimacy of my actions and my company.’
He added, ‘My financial disclosures have been meticulous and conservative, receiving high praise for their detail and transparency, including from a leading NYU Stern professor.’
Throughout the trial, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Democrats, James, and Engoron. He has consistently emphasized the ‘disclaimer’ in his financial statements, which he argues absolves any reliance on them, pointing to what he considers a miscarriage of justice by the ‘partisan judge and biased Attorney General.’
In his continued commentary on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his stance that the Democrats, up to and including President Biden, have undervalued his assets in a politically driven campaign against him. He contested the valuation of Mar-a-Lago and other properties, arguing that they were grossly underestimated to build a fraudulent case against him. He also highlighted his substantial tax contributions in New York, refuting claims of financial impropriety.
Trump concluded by noting that he had achieved a significant legal victory at the appellate division, which he believes should have effectively ended much of the case. However, he expressed frustration that the judge did not acknowledge this appellate decision.”
