Staff Reports
The civil case against former President Donald Trump in New York is scheduled to be temporarily postponed until his daughter, Ivanka Trump, testifies on Wednesday. New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused Mr. Trump and his business, the Trump Organization, of providing fraudulent financial information to gain unfair advantages. While the state's case witnessed a dramatic turn with Mr. Trump's confrontational testimony on Monday, there are still critical developments to unfold before Judge Arthur Engoron issues a ruling.
Ivanka Trump initially attempted to evade testifying in the case, but Judge Engoron determined her testimony to be crucial due to her business connections in New York. Legal experts anticipate that she will strive to protect her family members while seeking to distance herself from the lawsuit as much as possible. The state will question Ivanka Trump first, and the defense will have an opportunity to cross-examine her on Thursday. Following her testimony, the state is expected to conclude its case, after which the defense will present its side of the story.
New York Attorney General Letitia James nears end of civil case with Ivanka Trump on deckhttps://t.co/pc2vGOSgTC pic.twitter.com/liZCKkhX13
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 7, 2023
Mr. Trump's defense team, led by Christopher Kise, plans to commence their defense next week with the goal of completing their case by December 15th. During his testimony, Mr. Trump reiterated his claim that Democrats are employing legal actions to harass him during his 2024 presidential campaign. He also attempted to minimize any association with the alleged fraudulent financial statements. Throughout the trial, Mr. Trump has criticized Judge Engoron, accusing him of concealing the disclaimer clause present in his financial statements. However, the judge ruled against Mr. Trump on one of the fraud claims brought by Letitia James.
Despite the ongoing trial and other criminal indictments, Mr. Trump maintains a substantial lead in the GOP primary race, according to recent polls. While some Republican candidates have criticized him for his legal issues, others are proceeding cautiously, mindful of the potential distractions and political damage that could impact Mr. Trump during the campaign. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emphasized the need for focus and has pledged to continue delivering victories for the American people, positioning himself as a reliable leader in the race.
