Former President Donald Trump took the stand Monday in a New York Superior Court trial, angrily lashing out at the judge and the prosecutor amid fraud allegations that could destroy his business empire.
The court proceeding, adjudicated by Judge Arthur F. Engoron instead of a jury, has already found that the Trump organization filed fraudulent financial statements—massively overvaluing his real estate holdings to get more favorable loan terms.
The Trump company could face a $250 million penalty in the case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In testimony, Trump attempted to distance himself from from his company’s allegedly fraudulent 2021 financial statements — saying he was busy keeping the country safe from China and Russia during his presidency when the statements were filed.