Former US President Donald Trump is credited with saying, “You can’t con people, at least not for long,” in his 1987 best-seller The Art of the Deal.
Over the years, he has indeed been a master of creating excitement, deploying hyperbole, and generating extensive press coverage. However, as a high-stakes fraud trial unfolds in the state supreme court of Manhattan, the question arises: did he truly deliver the goods?
Trump Trial Timeline
After five weeks of proceedings overseen by Justice Arthur Engoron, the trial’s last chapter is about to be written. With potentially significant ramifications for his financial empire, Donald Trump himself is ready to make a stand. Even though this is a civil matter, which means he won’t go to jail, the outcome of the trial can have a big effect on his future commercial ventures.
The case is primarily centered on Trump’s business dealings, although it is intrinsically connected to his political ascent.
Letitia James, the New York attorney general, has accused Trump and key figures within the Trump Organization of inflating his wealth through fraudulent means to secure more favorable loans from banks.
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Revoking Business Licenses
James has sought $250 million in damages and the revocation of Trump’s business licenses in New York, which would effectively prevent the Trump family from conducting business within the state.
Justice Engoron, who has already formed an opinion on the core aspects of the case, has found Trump and his adult sons guilty of financial fraud before the trial’s commencement. If this decision is upheld by an appellate court, it could lead to severe consequences for Trump, including the loss of his ability to operate his businesses in New York.
The trial has also turned its attention to Trump’s eldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, who have been running the family business since their father’s presidency. Both sons have attempted to distance themselves from the alleged fraud, placing the responsibility on others to ensure the accuracy of financial records.
As the trial reaches its climax, the future of the Trump corporate empire hangs in the balance. Regardless of the outcome, this legal battle represents a critical moment in the former president’s post-political career, with potentially far-reaching consequences for his business interests in the state of New York.
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