Donald Trump Jr. testified for a second time on Monday in his family’s civil fraud trial in New York, becoming the first witness called by the defense as the case entered a new phase. Former President Donald Trump’s eldest son and top executive at the Trump Organization, Trump Jr. is also a co-defendant in the civil suit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The suit accuses him, his father, the Trump Organization, and other executives of orchestrating a decade-long $250 million fraud scheme by inflating the value of Trump properties and Trump’s personal net worth.
Trump Jr. had previously testified in the trial when attorneys from James’ office called him to the stand to face questions about financial statements at the heart of the case. The state rested its case last week, and Trump Jr. returned as a witness for the defense on Monday.
During his testimony, Trump Jr. hyped the family company and his father’s “genius.” He discussed the Trump Organization’s history and many of the properties Donald Trump has bought or developed, calling his father an “artist with real estate” who turned “eyesores” into “jewels.”
Attorneys for the state objected to the defense’s presentation, which included dozens of slides, however, New York Judge Arthur Engoron rejected their effort. Earlier in the case, attorneys for the Trumps sought to explain seemingly inflated valuations as a product of Donald Trump’s “extraordinary” vision. Trump’s valuations were ultimately shown to be accurate as properties grew in value.
Throughout his testimony, Trump Jr. joked frequently and was engaged in banter with the court sketch artist, commenting on photos of himself and his brother Eric Trump when they were shown on the screen.
The trial is proceeding on other allegations, including falsification of business records and conspiracy. The judge is also being asked to determine “disgorgement,” or the amount the state should receive for “ill-gotten” gains. Trump and his co-defendants have all denied any wrongdoing.