Former President Donald Trump is set to testify in a civil fraud trial in New York, where he is fighting to save his real estate empire. This highly anticipated testimony follows the testimonies of his sons, Eric and Donald Jr. Trump, who testified last week, and his daughter Ivanka, who is set to testify on Wednesday. Trump has a history of testifying in court and has been questioned under oath in numerous depositions and regulatory hearings over the years.
Trump’s previous testimonies offer insights into how he may approach his current trial. His style as a witness mirrors his political persona, characterized by ego, charm, defensiveness, aggressiveness, sharp language, and deflection. He has been combative, boastful, and sometimes vague or dismissive in his testimonies.
In the past, Trump has testified in trials related to his ownership of the USFL’s New Jersey Generals, the purchase of Eastern Air Lines’ Northeast shuttle service, and a boxing-related case. He has also testified in cases where he has been accused of cutting people out of projects or making changes to contract terms. In these testimonies, Trump has shown a range of emotions, from calm to argumentative, defensive, and even speechmaking.
Trump’s most recent courtroom testimony was in 2013, two years before his presidential campaign. In that case, he was sued by an elderly woman over changes to contract terms for a hotel and condominium tower. Trump grew increasingly agitated during his testimony, reflecting the same demeanor seen at his campaign rallies and on TV.
Trump has attended seven days of the New York trial so far, where he has both quietly studied witnesses and lashed out at the case, the judge, and state lawyers in front of TV cameras. He has called the trial a “sham” and a “scam,” and compared it to a witch hunt. Trump has also expressed excitement about what he considers “Perry Mason” moments in the trial, referring to testimony and arguments that he believes favor his side.
The current trial revolves around allegations that Trump and other Trump Organization executives inflated his net worth to obtain better interest rates and secure financing. New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of business records. She is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on the defendants doing business in New York. The judge has ruled the financial statements fraudulent and has initiated punishment, but an appeals court has put it on hold for now.
When questioned about his business and financial dealings in the past, Trump has often deflected responsibility and blamed others. In one deposition, he blamed an employee for misleading paperwork, saying, “I have a woman that does it.” He also tends to parse the wording of statements to avoid taking full responsibility.
As Trump prepares to testify in his civil fraud trial, his previous testimonies provide clues to his likely approach. Legal experts suggest that attorneys must have tight questions with supporting documents to prevent him from deflecting or evading answers. Trump’s testimony will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for his real estate empire and his personal image as a successful businessman.
