Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s legal team concluded the first week of his defense case in the New York civil fraud trial with six expert witnesses, all of whom offered alternative interpretations of the rules that were allegedly violated by Trump and his business. Despite some initial setbacks, including a rejection of Trump’s mistrial request, the trial saw several key victories for the former president as Judge Arthur Engoron frequently ruled in his favor throughout the week. Most notably, an appellate judge temporarily lifted a gag order imposed by Engoron, granting Trump permission to discuss the judge’s staff, a decision that was celebrated by the ex-president and his legal team.
During the proceedings, the defense called on various industry experts, such as accounting, real estate, and contract procurement specialists, to testify in Trump’s favor. These experts offered explanations asserting that the methods used in Trump’s financial statements were in compliance or disclosed, directly contesting the claims made by the New York attorney general. The former president’s legal team also emphasized the testimony of Steve Witkoff, an old acquaintance and luxury real estate developer, to validate Trump’s approaches to asset valuations. However, the expert testimonies did not go unchallenged, as an Assistant Attorney General questioned an expert’s assertion about the flawed perception of asset valuations, mentioning discrepancies in the financial statements.
Overall, the initial week of Trump’s defense case saw significant victories for the Former President, as his legal team introduced expert testimonies in a bid to contest the civil fraud allegations made by the New York attorney general. While the case is still underway, the defense’s strategic selection of expert witnesses reflects a robust effort to challenge the previously established claims against Trump and his business. With various rulings and legal decisions largely in Trump’s favor, the trial has unfolded as a high-stakes battle between expert testimonies and legal proceedings, setting the stage for an intense legal showdown in the coming weeks.
