The Trump Organization kicked off its defense against a New York fraud lawsuit with a walk down memory lane as Donald Trump Jr. recounted how his grandfather and father acquired prized properties and built a worldwide brand.
Mr. Trump Jr. extolled former President Donald Trump as a real estate visionary in describing Trump Tower, famous golf clubs and other sites in his rebuttal to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ claim the Trump Organization crafted fraudulent financial statements to gain favorable terms on loans and insurance.
The defense is making the case that big banks were not victims because they happily made money by lending to the family, which oversaw a sizable luxury portfolio.
Mr. Trump Jr., his father and his brother, Eric Trump, made similar arguments under state questioning and said they relied on accountants to forge the statements of financial condition.
Ms. James’ side rested its case days ago, clearing the way for Mr. Trump’s lawyers to present their side of the story at the start of the trial’s seventh week.
“You thought you were rid of me, your honor,” Mr. Trump Jr. quipped as he took the stand.
Trump family lawyer Cliff Robert led the questioning, which included a slide show of gleaming properties and Mr. Trump Jr.’s description of family roles in the company.
Attorneys for Ms. James objected to the history lesson, though Judge Arthur Engoron said he found it “interesting” and would let Mr. Trump Jr. ” go ahead and say how great the Trump Organization is,” according to ABC News.
Before the trial, Judge Engoron ruled that some fraud occurred, handing Ms. James an early victory on one of her claims. The trial is to decide other claims and possible penalties.
The defense asked for an immediate, or directed, verdict in its favor after the state rested. The Trump team said Ms. James failed to prove her claims, though the judge deferred ruling on the motion and let the trial continue.
One of Mr. Trump’s lawyers, Alina Habba, said over the weekend she planned to move for a mistrial “very soon.”
The only problem, she said, was that Judge Engoron would make the decision.
Ahead of this week’s testimony, Mr. Trump Jr. attended an Ultimate Fighting Championship event at Madison Square Garden Saturday. He was part of his father’s entourage that included UFC CEO Dana White, Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson.
“I can’t think of a better squad to roll with,” Mr. Trump Jr. wrote on the X platform.
• Mallory Wilson contributed to this story, which is based in part on wire service reports.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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