Donald Trump Jr. took the witness stand on Monday, offering a spirited defense of the Trump Organization in the ongoing civil fraud trial led by the New York attorney general.
The problem has already seen Judge Arthur Engoron ruling against the former president and co-defendants, finding them liable for fraud.
Donald Trump Jr.’s testimony aimed to reshape the narrative, focusing on the alleged transformation of dilapidated properties into extraordinary Trump landmarks.
As a co-defendant in the case, Donald Trump Jr. passionately spoke about the Trump Organization’s portfolio, attempting to showcase his father’s transformative vision and real estate prowess.
In describing properties worldwide, Trump Jr. highlighted projects’ architectural brilliance, golf courses’ magnificence, and the overall aesthetic value brought to the Trump properties.
Under questioning from Trump’s lawyer, Cliff Robert, Donald Trump Jr. navigated through a meticulously produced promotional timeline from the company’s website.
The testimony included discussions on the Seven Springs resort, the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, and the Trump National Doral Golf Club in Florida. Trump Jr. emphasized his father’s role as a visionary “artist” in real estate, crediting him for turning seemingly undesirable properties into iconic landmarks.
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Trump Organization Properties
The defense also explored recent additions to the Trump Organization’s portfolio, such as the Trump International Hotel at the Old Post Office in Washington, DC. Trump Jr. portrayed these properties as revitalization success stories, emphasizing their transformation from what he described as “a war zone” to remarkable landmarks.
Trump Jr. addressed the financial impact of the Trump Organization, stating that it employed about 1,000 people in New York, with additional subcontractors working on projects relevant to the case from 2011 to 2021.
While he couldn’t provide a specific tax figure, he acknowledged that it was a substantial amount, possibly in the tens of millions.
After completing his testimony, Donald Trump Jr. faced a brief cross-examination by Colleen Faherty of the New York attorney general’s office.
Questions centered on Trump properties, including the 40 Wall Street loan being put on a servicer’s watch list and discrepancies in reported occupancy rates at Trump’s 40 Wall Street building.
Faherty’s questions touched on the relevance of specific details, leading to objections from Trump’s legal team. Judge Engoron overruled objections, emphasizing the importance of relevance in questioning.
The cross-examination also revealed that Trump Jr. was unaware of the loan being placed on a watch list, showcasing disparities in reported occupancy rates.
As the trial continues, the testimony of Donald Trump Jr. sheds light on the defense strategy aimed at reshaping the public perception of the Trump Organization.
The trial’s outcome will impact the Trump family and have broader implications for the business empire they have built over the years.
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