Former US President Donald Trump is back in the news with his civil fraud trial in New York. On Wednesday, after attending the morning proceedings, he surprisingly decided not to return for the afternoon hearings. The move was met with sarcasm by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who declared that “the Donald Trump show is over.”
The prosecutor also expressed her belief that justice will prevail in this case. She did not hesitate to criticize the former president’s offensive comments, calling them incitement to racial hatred. Letitia James stressed that she would not be intimidated by Donald Trump’s attacks and that she would continue her action with full determination.
In this trial, Donald Trump is accused of having defrauded the value of his real estate assets. Although not risking any criminal penalty, he is called to testify, as are his two children, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, also targeted by Letitia James’ complaint, as well as the Trump Organization.
Already before the start of the trial, the judge had considered that “repeated fraud” had been established and had ordered the withdrawal of the business licenses of Donald Trump and his sons, as well as the confiscation of the companies concerned. The former president’s lawyers have appealed the decision, which could lead to a partial dismantling of his real estate empire.
This trial is taking place in an intense political climate, as Donald Trump plans to run in future Republican primaries, where he is currently favored in the polls. His presence or absence during the trial could therefore have an impact on his potential electoral campaign.
Whatever the outcome of this trial, it is clear that Donald Trump continues to attract media attention and divide public opinion. His flamboyant style and his virulent attacks make him a controversial figure who leaves no one indifferent. The next few weeks will be crucial for the former president, who will have to face the legal consequences of his past actions while continuing to build his political future.