New York City – Former President Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial has concluded after three months of proceedings. Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over the trial, stated that he will attempt to deliver his final ruling by the end of January. However, he added that there is no guarantee on the timing of the decision. The trial centered around allegations that Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, fraudulently misrepresented the value of his real estate holdings to lenders.
During the trial, the attorney general’s office argued that Trump and his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were aware of the misleading financial statements. However, the judge stated that the evidence presented did not show strong indications that the Trump sons knew of the fraud. This raises the possibility of a lighter penalty for them in the final ruling.
Trump’s attorney countered the allegations, stating that the former president had no motive to inflate his wealth and that his financial statements did not affect the terms of his loans. The defense also argued that no witnesses testified that there was fraud committed by Trump or his company.
Outside the courtroom, Trump criticized Judge Engoron for not allowing him to personally deliver some of the closing arguments. Trump claimed that the trial was unfair and that the judge had his own agenda. The former president also campaigned against New York Attorney General Letitia James, claiming that her pursuit of the lawsuit would drive businesses out of the state.
Protesters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse, expressing their opposition to Trump and showing support for James. Traffic around the Supreme Court building was disrupted due to the demonstration.
The final ruling in the trial will determine any penalties or damages that Trump and his company may face as a result of the fraud allegations. Until the judge delivers his decision, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain.