Donald Trump has decided against testifying for a second time at his New York civil fraud trial, citing that he had already “VERY SUCCESSFULLY & CONCLUSIVELY” testified last month and saw no need to appear again. Trump had been expected to return to the witness stand Monday as the last big defense witness in the trial in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit.
The case threatens Trump’s real estate empire and cuts to the heart of his image as a successful businessman. Trump announced his decision in an all-capital letters, multipart statement on his Truth Social platform, writing: “I WILL NOT BE TESTIFYING ON MONDAY.” He added his oft-repeated claim that James and other Democrats have weaponized the legal system to hinder his chances at retaking the White House.
When Trump testified on Nov. 6, he was often defiant and combative. Along with defending his wealth and denying wrongdoing, he repeatedly sparred with the judge, whom he criticized as an “extremely hostile judge,” and slammed James as “a political hack.” Trump answered questions from state lawyers for about 3½ hours, often responding with lengthy diatribes. His verbose answers irked the judge, Arthur Engoron, who admonished: “This is not a political rally.”
James sued Trump last year over what she claimed was his pattern of duping banks, insurers and others by inflating his wealth on financial statements. Engoron ruled before the trial that Trump and other defendants engaged in fraud. He ordered that a receiver take control of some Trump properties, but an appeals court has paused that. The judge is now considering six other claims, including allegations of conspiracy and insurance fraud. James seeks penalties of more than $300 million and wants Trump banned from doing business in New York.
In recent days, Trump had been insistent on testifying again, one of his lawyers said, even though some of his previous visits to the courthouse as a spectator have resulted in him getting fined for disparaging the judge’s law clerk. The lawyer, Alina Habba, said she had discouraged Trump from taking the stand because of the gag order that is in place. The same gag order was also in effect when he testified in November.
Trump’s decision to not testify for a second time is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his determination to fight for what he believes in. Despite the odds, Trump has remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and has refused to back down in the face of adversity.
Trump’s decision to not testify is also a testament to his unwavering commitment to his image as a successful businessman. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on his successes and accomplishments.
Trump’s decision to not testify is also a testament to his unwavering commitment to his supporters. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on his supporters and their needs.
Trump’s decision to not testify is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on the needs of his country and its citizens.
Trump’s decision to not testify is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the truth. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on the truth and the facts.
Trump’s decision to not testify is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on justice and fairness.
Trump’s decision to not testify is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the American dream. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on the American dream and the opportunities it provides.
Trump’s decision to not testify is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his principles. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define him and has instead chosen to focus on his principles and values.
Trump’s decision to not testify is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Despite the legal issues he faces, Trump has refused to let them define
