Donald Trump revokes his intention to testify in a New York civil fraud prosecution
Former United States President Donald Trump has opted not to testify for a second time at his civil fraud trial in New York, stating that he has "nothing more to say." Trump, the leading contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, asserted that he had already testified successfully and conclusively last month, therefore seeing no need to testify again. The trial centers around allegations that Trump, along with family members and employees, inflated the value of real estate assets to obtain more favorable bank loans and insurance terms.
Originally expected to take the witness stand on Monday, Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, argued that there was nothing more to say, particularly to a judge who had imposed what they deemed an unconstitutional gag order. Kise expressed frustration that the judge appeared to have disregarded Trump's testimony and that of others involved in the financial transactions under scrutiny.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who initiated the lawsuit, contended that her office had already demonstrated that Trump committed years of financial fraud, unjustly enriching himself and his family. Despite Trump's decision not to testify again, James emphasized that the facts presented in the case speak for themselves.
During a previous appearance on November 6, Trump engaged in a combative exchange with prosecutors for over three and a half hours, defending his wealth and refuting any wrongdoing. Judge Arthur Engoron had already ruled that James's office provided conclusive evidence that Trump overstated his net worth. The judge ordered the liquidation of several companies managing the assets in question.
Engoron, whom Trump has criticized as "hostile" and a "political hack," previously imposed fines on the former president for violating a partial gag order. Trump, characterizing the proceedings as a partisan "witch hunt," contends that the trial lacks the risk of criminal penalties such as prison time.
