CNN Political Commentator Comments On NY Case
Former President Donald Trump appeared in court on Thursday to give his closing statement in his civil trial, which was brought forth by New York Attorney General Letitia James in Sept 2022.
After nearly a year, the case against Trump has finally come to a conclusion, with James seeking a penalty of $370 million and a lifetime ban on Trump from conducting real-estate business in the state of New York.
The trial revolved around allegations that Trump inflated the value of his properties in order to obtain better loan terms. In addition, James is also seeking a five-year business ban for Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. While Trump’s lawyers have maintained his innocence, James accused the former president of obtaining $370 million in ill-gotten gains through his deceptive business practices.
During the trial, CNN political commentator Jonah Goldberg weighed in on the case, stating that it was a mistake for James to bring it to court. According to Goldberg, the case was entirely political and was brought forth by an elected judge who campaigned on targeting Trump.
He went on to say that the trial was “brutal” for the former president’s psychology, as he takes great pride in his business empire. However, Trump may also find the trial beneficial from a political standpoint, as it allows him to avoid being on the campaign trail and participating in debates.
Goldberg did not go so far as to declare Trump innocent, describing him as a “sleazy businessman.” However, he maintained that the trial was politicized and should have never been brought forth in the first place. This sentiment has been echoed by Trump’s lawyers throughout the trial, who have argued that the case lacks merit and is simply an attempt to harm the former president’s reputation.
The judge presiding over the case, Arthur Engoron, ruled in September that Trump and his business had exaggerated his net worth, deceived banks and insurance companies, and overvalued assets. This decision and the subsequent trial have been a major blow to the former president, who has openly expressed his dismay and frustration with the legal battle.
As Trump’s civil trial comes to a close, many are left wondering about the possible outcome. Will James be successful in obtaining the large penalty and business ban that she is seeking? Or will Trump once again evade legal consequences, as he has done numerous times in the past? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the anticipation and speculation surrounding the conclusion of this trial have left a heavy cloud hanging over the former president’s head.
For the time being, Trump is still able to conduct business as usual, despite the looming possibility of a lifetime ban in the state of New York. It remains to be seen how this trial will impact his future ventures and potential political aspirations.