Former President Donald Trump’s legal team is expected to request a directed verdict in the civil case against the Trump family and their business empire from a New York judge. They argue that New York Attorney General Letitia James failed to present a sufficient case before resting.
Trump lawyer Alina Habba confirmed that the defense would utilize this mechanism, which allows defense attorneys to seek a victory in the case if the other side fails to prove their case under a preponderance burden – meaning the evidence shows that claims in a lawsuit are more likely true than not.
“The attorney general rested their case, and it’s very clear that they have failed to prove the essential elements of the case,” Ms. Habba told reporters Wednesday.
Ms. James alleges that Mr. Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization submitted fraudulent financial statements for years to obtain favorable terms on loans and insurance. She is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and wants to prohibit the Trumps from conducting business in New York.
Ms. James and her team concluded their presentation of witnesses and evidence during the questioning of Mr. Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump.
Ms. Trump stated that she was not involved in preparing the financial statements at the heart of the case and that it was difficult to recall the specifics of major deals made a decade ago.
Ms. Trump is not named in the lawsuit, though her brothers, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, are targeted alongside their famous father, who is leading the GOP field in the 2024 campaign for president.
Ms. James, a Democrat, expressed confidence in her case.
Prior to the trial, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in favor of Ms. James on one of her claims. The trial is examining other claims and possible penalties.
“The judge has already ruled that Donald Trump committed repeated and persistent fraud, and now it’s Trump‘s turn to try to defend that fraud,” Ms. James said. “I am confident that we will prevail because the facts don’t lie.”
Ms. Habba said anyone who’s been following the case can see faults in it. She pointed to inconsistent testimony from Michael Cohen, who is Mr. Trump’s lawyer-turned-accuser, and said he should be investigated for perjury.
“He’s been inconsistent, it’s been proven and frankly he needs to be prosecuted for it,” Ms. Habba said. “They relied on Michael Cohen. I don’t care what side of the fence you are on in politics, you can’t rely on Michael Cohen.”
