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Former President Donald Trump has chosen not to testify again in his ongoing civil fraud trial in New York. Trump communicated this decision through his Truth Social platform, stating he had already covered all necessary points in his previous testimony.
Trump, who is a leading candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, expressed on Sunday that his initial testimony last month was “very successful & conclusively” sufficient. He wrote, “I have already testified to everything & have nothing more to say.”
This statement comes ahead of his expected appearance in court on Monday for a case alleging financial misconduct involving him, his family, and associates. The lawsuit claims they inflated real estate asset values to secure favorable loans and insurance terms.
Trump’s attorney, Christopher Kise, supported this decision, pointing out the lack of necessity for further testimony, especially in light of a gag order he deemed unconstitutional. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the lawsuit, maintains that Trump’s actions constituted financial fraud that benefited him and his family. “No matter how much he tries to distract from reality, the facts don’t lie,” James stated.
In a previous court appearance on November 6, Trump engaged in a heated exchange with prosecutors, asserting his financial integrity and denying any misconduct. Judge Arthur Engoron, whom Trump has criticized, ruled that evidence showed Trump inflated his net worth significantly. Engoron also imposed a $15,000 fine on Trump for violating a gag order. Despite Trump dismissing the trial as a “witch hunt,” it is set to continue without his further testimony and is expected to conclude in January.