Judge denies Trump’s request to pause trial, grants stay on business dissolution
(5 hours ago)
Former President Donald Trump’s request to halt his civil fraud trial pending an appeal of a previous ruling by Judge Arthur Engoron has been denied by Judge Peter Moulton.
Trump’s attorney, Chris Kise, criticized Engoron’s recent ruling, characterizing it as “an avalanche of errors” and emphasizing the absence of any evidence of wrongdoing. Kise also underlined the irreversible impact that dissolving Trump’s businesses in New York could have on numerous companies and their employees.
“We are not seeking a delay; we are simply seeking a fair trial,” Kise stated, describing the trial as chaotic.
On the opposing side, Attorney Judith Vale, representing New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office, questioned the necessity of a stay. She expressed her team’s willingness to cooperate with the defendants to implement a stay on some injunctive relief during the ongoing trial.
“I don’t believe anyone expects that revoking certificates will result in the lights going out at 40 Wall St. tomorrow,” Vale remarked, asserting that there would be no irreparable harm in continuing the trial.
In his ruling, Judge Moulton decided to proceed with the trial but imposed an interim stay on the dissolution of Trump’s businesses.
Hearing begins on Trump’s request to pause civil fraud trial pending appeal
(6 hours ago)
The hearing on former President Donald Trump’s request to temporarily halt his civil fraud trial has begun.
Judge Arthur Engoron initiated the hearing by expressing his initial reluctance to grant the motion. However, he informed Trump’s legal team that they had the opportunity to present arguments to persuade him.
Trump has sought the stay pending the appeal of Engoron’s recent ruling, which found him liable for fraud in connection with the construction of his real estate empire.
A decision on whether to grant the stay may be reached today.
Court breaks until next week, when Allen Weisselberg will take the stand
(8 hours ago)
The fifth day of the civil fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump concluded at 12:45 p.m. in Manhattan, with proceedings set to resume next week.
During today’s session, former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney provided testimony regarding the 2013 valuation of Trump National Golf Club Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, New York. Prosecutor Andrew Amer questioned McConney about the valuation, which was purportedly based on the addition of 71 midrise housing units.
Amer pointed out a significant disparity in the valuation figures. While the Trump Organization claimed the units would be worth $101 million upon completion, an appraisal valued them at only $43.3 million.
McConney testified that he had a conversation with Eric Trump, the former president’s second son, who instructed him to keep the value unchanged despite the appraisal’s findings.
In another discussion concerning the Trump property at Seven Springs in Westchester County, New York, McConney admitted that the property’s $261 million valuation in 2013 included seven mansions estimated to be worth $23 million each, even though they had not yet been constructed.
McConney also acknowledged that former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg was his superior. When asked by Amer whether Weisselberg had ever asked him to commit fraud on more than one occasion, McConney initially denied it.
However, Amer then referred to McConney’s previous testimony during the Manhattan district attorney’s trial, where he had provided a different response. Amer read from the transcript, revealing that McConney had admitted to processing a payroll check for Weisselberg’s wife to help her obtain social security benefits, despite knowing it was illegal.
McConney explained that he had taken these actions because Weisselberg was his boss, and he was afraid of losing his job.
The trial will resume on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. ET, with Allen Weisselberg scheduled to take the stand.