Former President Donald Trump is preparing to go to trial in a civil lawsuit in New York that accuses him of extensive business fraud. The trial, set to begin on Monday, will be presided over by Justice Arthur Engoron, a Democrat who has clashed with Trump in the past. The outcome of the trial rests solely on Engoron, who recently delivered a ruling that found Trump liable for fraud and revoked licenses for some of his flagship properties, including Trump Tower and the Trump International Hotel.
In a surprising turn of events, Trump may attend the trial in person, sitting just a few feet away from Engoron, whom he has publicly criticized as “deranged.” The ruling by Engoron has caught Trump and his lawyers off guard, forcing them to scramble to determine the implications for Trump’s business.
Trump’s conflicts with Engoron date back to before the lawsuit was even filed by New York Attorney General Tish James. Engoron held Trump in contempt of court and imposed daily fines after Trump failed to comply with a subpoena. However, Engoron eventually released Trump from the contempt order but required him to pay penalties.
The trial will focus on the fraudulent inflation of Trump’s net worth between 2014 and 2021 and how that false information was used to gain financial advantages. It will also determine the penalties Trump should face, with James seeking $250 million in fines and a bar on Trump and his family from serving as officers or directors in any New York companies.
Monday’s trial marks the beginning of a series of trials that Trump will face from October through May, including a federal defamation trial and two separate federal criminal trials related to election interference and mishandling of classified documents. Trump’s attendance at the New York trial is not required but remains possible if called to testify by the attorney general.
FAQ
Q: What is the New York civil lawsuit against Donald Trump about?
A: The lawsuit accuses Trump of extensive business fraud and fraudulent inflation of his net worth.
Q: Who is presiding over the trial?
A: Justice Arthur Engoron, a Democrat, will be the trial judge.
Q: What are the potential penalties for Trump?
A: The attorney general is seeking $250 million in fines and a bar on Trump and his family from serving in certain positions in New York companies.
Q: How many trials will Trump face?
A: Trump will face several trials from October through May, including a federal defamation trial and federal criminal trials related to election interference and mishandling of classified documents.
Q: Is Trump expected to attend the New York trial?
A: It was not initially expected, but there is a possibility that Trump may attend the trial in person.