Former President Donald Trump has appeared in a Manhattan court for the start of a trial that could significantly impact him and his business empire.
Gatekeepers News reports that Trump arrived at the state courthouse in New York City on Monday morning for the first day of the trial, after confirming late Sunday night on Truth Social he would appear in court, saying he was “going to Court tomorrow morning to fight for my name and reputation.”
The trial, prompted by a civil case brought by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that the former president and his company committed widespread fraud and inflated net worth by Trump and his company.
While some judgments have been made against Trump, the trial is ongoing, covering allegations like falsification of business records and insurance fraud. If found liable for fraud, Trump could face damages of $250 million, as well as other penalties such as a ban on commercial real estate acquisitions for five years and restrictions on running companies in New York.
The trial is expected to last nearly three months and is set to conclude by December 22. Trump and his children have been listed as potential witnesses, although it’s uncertain whether they will testify.
The case will be a bench trial, meaning only the judge will hear it without a jury. Trump’s attendance throughout the trial remains uncertain, but he has signaled his intention to be present for at least the opening week.
