Organization EVP Donald Trump Jr. Takes Stand in Fraud Trial Involving Trump Family

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  • Source: Wayne Dupree
  • 11/14/2023
On November 13, Donald Trump Jr., who holds the position of executive vice president at the Trump Organization, appeared as the initial witness for the defense in a fraud trial. The trial involves allegations against Donald Trump Jr., his brother Eric Trump, his father President Donald Trump, and several other executives who are named as defendants.

During his testimony, Donald Trump Jr. provided an overview of his work at the Trump Organization and highlighted his father's keen insights in the real estate industry. He emphasized that his father had a knack for identifying opportunities before others, underscoring his expertise in the field.

Two weeks ago, the individual in question underwent questioning by state attorneys. However, it is important to note that during this particular session, he was not subjected to cross-examination. During the course of his testimony, Mr. Trump, along with his siblings, reiterated multiple times that he had not played a role in the development of the Trump Organization's statements of financial condition (SFCs).

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The trial commenced on October 2nd, as the New York attorney general's office aimed to establish that the Trumps engaged in fraudulent activities by exaggerating SFCs from 2011 to 2021. This bench trial was overseen by New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron.
The SFCs, also known as Statement of Financial Condition, were an annual marketing tool utilized in various Trump Organization transactions, rather than serving as a conventional financial document. The document provided a comprehensive breakdown of significant assets owned by President Trump, along with their corresponding monetary values. These assets were carefully evaluated and tallied, resulting in a final net worth calculation for the President.

On September 26, a ruling was made by the judge in favor of the attorney general's claim that President Trump had exaggerated his net worth. The judge found the President liable for fraud. The trial focuses on the six remaining claims stated in the petition, which necessitate the establishment of intent to defraud and the determination of the penalties that President Trump will be obligated to pay.

The judge's ruling has significant implications for President Trump's real estate empire and his reputation as a prosperous developer. As a result of the judge's decision, the president's business certificates have been revoked, and the judge has mandated the prompt dissolution of the various companies that comprise the Trump Organization, to be carried out by an independent third party. The appeals court has temporarily halted the implementation of the order. Additionally, the attorney general is seeking penalties amounting to $250 million and a five-year prohibition on the defendants conducting business in New York state.

Defense attorneys are currently engaged in the process of preparing their appeal. This is in response to their public assertions that the pretrial summary judgment made by the judge was deemed unfair and not grounded on the evidence presented. Consequently, they have expressed a lack of confidence in receiving a favorable ruling at the conclusion of the trial. In a recent appearance on Fox News, Alina Habba, an attorney representing former President Donald Trump, expressed the intention to file for a mistrial in the near future.

During his testimony on the witness stand, Mr. Trump provided an account of his experiences working at the Trump Organization under his father's leadership, emphasizing a prevailing sense of optimism. The individual characterized the previous president as an individual with a forward-thinking mindset and innovative ideas within the industry.

According to the speaker, their father possessed a remarkable ability to perceive things that were often overlooked or beyond the imagination of others. As a result of establishing his own brand, he achieved a level of recognition that attracted numerous developers seeking his expertise.

The transformation of the development company into a more expansive entity was primarily attributed to the utilization of licensing, as elucidated by Mr. Trump. This strategic approach facilitated the formation of agreements that required minimal initial investment.

According to his statement, there existed numerous opportunities to engage in licensing deals. Real estate is a game that primarily involves local participants. Our company was sought after by various companies who were interested in acquiring our expertise in designing, building, and enhancing their projects. This demand enabled us to undertake these projects and receive substantial compensation for our services, as other companies recognized our ability to deliver superior results.

Every wall conceals a hidden surprise.

An instance of this can be observed in Trump Tower located in Manhattan. During its construction, Donald Trump's father implemented a strategic approach by incorporating retail spaces on the lower floors and residential units on the upper levels. This decision aimed to optimize the floor-area ratio, allowing for increased utilization of the available space. Additionally, an innovative step was taken by providing corner windows for each apartment unit, which was considered pioneering during that period. In Westchester County, New York, there was a neglected 200-acre property that caught the attention of Seven Springs and his father. The property was in a state of disrepair, but instead of seeing it as a lost cause, they saw it as an opportunity. The construction of a ballroom at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, for an estimated cost of $15 million provided the individual with a notable level of influence over the remaining areas of the property.

According to Mr. Trump, the individual in question possesses artistic skills and is also involved in the real estate industry. He possesses the ability to perceive things that often go unnoticed by others. He possesses the ability to bring into existence objects and concepts that surpass the imagination of ordinary individuals.

After joining the Trump Organization, Mr. Trump embarked on a significant project in collaboration with Hudson Waterfront Associates. Together, they worked on the construction of a skyscraper that would go on to set new records. Following this achievement, Mr. Trump shifted his focus to another notable endeavor: the restoration and revitalization of Delmonico's, a renowned historic building. He described the culture as merit-based, stating that it provided him with a great opportunity to advance by taking on deals that no one else wanted to.

According to him, there were individuals who, despite lacking prestigious academic qualifications, were provided with opportunities by his father. The focus was primarily on individuals who had the ability to accomplish tasks effectively.

According to Mr. Trump, the Trump Organization operates as a family business that is actively involved in various aspects of property development. In addition to developing properties, they also take charge of managing a wide range of assets, including golf courses and condo association buildings. This hands-on approach is undertaken with the intention of safeguarding their brand reputation and ensuring the maintenance of high-quality standards.

According to Mr. Trump, the structure of the family business underwent changes following his father's election as president. In this scenario, the user's sister accompanied their father on a trip to Washington. As a result, the user and their brother, who were typically more grounded, assumed additional responsibilities. The transfer of ownership of the Trump Organization to a trust, with President Trump's adult sons serving as trustees, took place.

According to Mr. Trump, there was a possibility that his father would resume his involvement in the business or certain aspects of it. However, he mentioned that he and his brother primarily assumed the responsibility of managing the Trump Organization.

The state attorneys raised objections, contending that Mr. Trump's narrative lacked relevance to the matters under consideration. In the ruling made by Justice Engoron, it was determined that the nature of the organization holds significant relevance.

In the early 1900s, Mr. Trump's grandfather embarked on a remarkable journey that he himself described as a captivating Horatio Alger story. As the eldest son of immigrants, he commenced his career by laboring on job sites located in Queens.

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According to him, his father regarded New York City and Manhattan as the epitome of unexplored territory.

The defense attorney, Chris Kise, humorously suggested that it might be fitting to revisit this earlier period of time, considering the plaintiff's inclination to ask questions about years that are not covered by the statute of limitations.

In addition, the judge made a lighthearted remark, expressing concern that the individual's actions might lead to unfavorable consequences for the judge. In the upcoming discussion, Mr. Kise intends to address the recurring instances where he perceives that I consistently rule against him.




 

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