.png)
1 year ago
40
Donald Trump Jr. returned to the stand in a Manhattan court on Monday to defend his father's real estate company in the $250 million civil fraud case the family is facing.
The former president's eldest son praised his 'extraordinary' vision and his ability to find the 'sexiness within a real estate project'.
'He's an artist with real estate,' Trump Jr. said of his father. 'That is his canvas that he creates. He is a creative guy, and he's also good at building.'
Donald Trump and his two adult sons, who serve as co-executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, are accused of inflating the ex-president's net worth by $2.2 billion to obtain favorable terms on loans.
Don Jr. was the first witness put forward by the defense to field questions about the family's real estate business.
'I'd say it's good to be here, Your Honor, but I'm afraid the attorney general would sue me for perjury,' the eldest Trump sibling said at one point.
Donald Trump Jr. became on Monday the first witness called by the defense in a $250 million lawsuit against ex-President Donald Trump and his two adult sons
During his testimony, Don Jr. said his father brought 'sexiness' to the real estate market. Pictured: Donald Trump Jr. joined by his defense attorneys, including Alina Habba (right)
Earlier this month, Trump Jr. and his brother Eric Trump were called to testify by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office. The former president also took the stand last week.
Ivanka Trump, the president's eldest daughter and former White House advisor, also testified last Wednesday but is not a defendant in the case.
The case is one of many the ex-president is facing as he runs for another term in the White House. Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
The lawsuit against Trump was brought by New York AG James and seeks at least $250 million in damage. It could also implement restrictions effectively barring Trump, Don Jr. and Eric from New York's real estate industry.
The trio of Trump men have denied wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the former president accused James, an elected Democrat, and Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the case, of political bias and 'election interference.'
James is attending the hearings and was pictured across the courtroom from Don Jr. on Monday.
Trump Jr. enters the courtroom on Monday accompanied by members of his legal team as he prepares to take the stand as the first witness in the defense's case for himself, his father and his brother Eric
Protesters heckle Trump Jr. as he enters the New York State Supreme Court for his civil fraud trial on Monday, November 13
Don Jr. was the first person questioned by the defense lawyers representing himself, his brother and his father – as well as other defendants.
A lawyer for New York state will also question him during the cross-examination.
It's expected that after taking the stand today, Don Jr. will return on Tuesday to answer more questions. Additionally, the plaintiff is planning to call a tax lawyer to testify as a state witness.
The defense also plans to call several expert witnesses in their case to refute testimony from state witnesses that Trump's financial statements afforded him better loan terms and insurance premiums.
English (US)