Former President Donald Trump, addressing the ongoing civil fraud trial outside the Manhattan courthouse, accused the government, specifically New York Attorney General Letitia James, of spreading what he termed “malicious falsehoods” in connection with the case.
According to Newsmax, He further claimed that had he still been in office, the recent attacks on Israel and Ukraine could have been prevented. Trump expressed his frustration, stating, “While the attorney general is inside the courtroom day after day, people on the streets and sidewalks of New York are falling victim to violent crimes.” He also criticized the utilization of a rarely used statute against him, warning that it discouraged businesses from establishing themselves in New York, as they might perceive it as a setup, suggesting that the trial was rigged against him.
The trial, which has now entered its third week, revolves around allegations that Trump and his company had inflated the valuations of their properties and assets to secure more favorable terms for bank loans. Judge Arthur Engoron is overseeing the bench trial, a fact that Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with, expressing his belief that he was denied a jury and other rights and describing the judge as “hostile.”
Trump vehemently asserted, “We have a preponderance of evidence on our side, while they have nothing. This case should never have been initiated, and it is a disgrace to our nation, the state of New York, and its people.” He pointed out that even the banks involved in the matter appeared satisfied with the testimonies provided.
Despite having the option not to attend the trial, Trump decided to be present for its continuation on the following day, opting to forgo a golf tournament at the Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami, commenting, “I was planning to attend it, but I find this trial to be highly interesting.”
In addition to discussing the trial, Trump touched upon international matters, asserting that if he were still in office, Israel would not have been subjected to the attacks it had faced recently. He mentioned a potential visit to Israel but expressed his stance on letting them manage their affairs. He held the same view regarding Ukraine, insisting that these events would not have transpired under his leadership. Trump concluded by expressing concern about the current state of the world, describing it as chaotic and sorrowful, and emphasizing his belief that these events could have been averted.