As the financial fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump resumes in New York City, his eldest sons are working to portray their father and his company in a positive light. Meanwhile, in Florida, Judge Aileen Cannon rejects a motion by Trump’s lawyers to delay the start of the classified documents trial until after the 2024 election, with a promise to revisit the decision in March.
New York Financial Fraud
Donald Trump Jr. returns to witness stand, while Eric Trump appeals to public opinion
Key players: Trump Organization executive vice presidents Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James
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Trump Jr. returned to court Monday as a defense witness in the $250 million civil lawsuit brought by James, testifying about the history of the Trump Org.
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“He’s an artist with real estate,” Trump Jr. said of his father, adding, “That is his canvas that he creates. He is a creative guy, and he’s also good at building.”
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Engoron has already ruled in favor of arguments made by James, finding Trump and his sons liable for years of financial fraud in New York. The trial will decide penalties for the defendants.
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Eric Trump also used art as a metaphor to describe his family business, as reported by Huffpost.
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“Our assets are worth a fortune. They’re the Mona Lisas of the real estate world,” he said during an interview with Fox News.
Why it matters: Trump’s sons are attempting to present their business practices in the best possible light as they face potentially substantial financial penalties and restrictions on conducting business in New York.
Classified Documents
Judge refuses to delay start of trial, but will revisit question in March
Key players: Judge Aileen Cannon, special counsel Jack Smith, Trump lawyers John Lauro and Todd Blanche
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Cannon denied a motion to delay the start of the classified documents trial until after the 2024 presidential election, with a promise to revisit the request in March.
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Trump has been charged with violating the Espionage Act and other crimes in relation to retaining classified documents after leaving office.
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The trial is scheduled to begin on May 20.
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Trump’s lawyers argued they needed more time to review 1.3 million documents and hundreds of hours of surveillance video footage provided by Smith’s team.
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Smith contends that Trump has not established “good cause” for his numerous requests to delay the trial’s start.
Why it matters: While Cannon’s ruling represents a win for Smith, there is a possibility that the judge may reconsider in March due to arguments from Trump’s lawyers.
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