In released video deposition testimony, former President Donald Trump points fingers at his Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Alan Weisselberg, as the civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James against Trump and his organization enters its second day of trial.
In the deposition, Trump seemingly shifts responsibility to Weisselberg, accusing him of being in charge of the financial decisions. Weisselberg, in his own video deposition, claims ignorance about Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), raising questions about his role as CFO.
Trump’s adult son, Don Jr., also faces questioning about GAAP, responding with limited knowledge and suggesting he learned about it in Accounting 101 at Wharton. Eric Trump, in his deposition, distances himself from the preparation of financial statements, creating a contrasting narrative.
The video depositions expose a lack of understanding and involvement in financial matters by key figures within the Trump organization. Notably, Eric Trump claims not to remember discussing financial statements in a 2021 video conference, further raising doubts about his role in the organization.
Additionally, Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, describes in detail the fraudulent activities he and Weisselberg were allegedly asked to commit. Cohen’s revelations include claims that the Trump organization manipulated asset valuations to meet Donald Trump’s desired financial figures.
The trial brings to light how Trump, Weisselberg, and Trump’s children handled financial matters within the organization, with video evidence suggesting attempts to distance themselves from potential wrongdoing.
In a dramatic turn, Trump attacks the judge overseeing the case, accusing them of bias and interference in an attempt to discredit the legal process. The depositions, however, shed light on the damning evidence presented against Trump and his associates.
As the trial progresses, the released deposition videos provide a rare glimpse into the internal workings of the Trump organization, showcasing the challenges faced by the defense in countering allegations of fraud and financial manipulation.
