TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from United States: CNN, The Washington Post.
UK coverage: BBC.

Former President Donald Trump clashed with a judge in New York Supreme Court on Monday during his testimony in a civil fraud trial. The case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, is seeking $250 million in damages and to bar Trump from doing business in the state. Trump is accused of intentionally inflating the value of his assets to secure better financial terms.

Trump brought bombastic rhetoric to the witness stand, attacking the New York attorney general and the judge overseeing the trial. Judge Arthur Engoron attempted to stop Trump’s political barbs, but eventually stopped trying to control him. The former president’s testimony mimicked his appearances on the campaign trail, where he has made the four criminal cases against him a central part of his argument to be elected president again in 2024.

Trump defended the way he and the Trump Organization valued their properties, claiming that the value of his brand was not included in his financial statements. He also argued that his Mar-a-Lago resort and golf courses were worth more than what he had previously stated, citing the influence of his personal brand.

The New York attorney general’s office said they will rest their case after Ivanka Trump’s testimony on Wednesday. Trump has been fined $15,000 for twice violating a gag order that bars him from making statements about court employees.

The civil fraud case strikes at the heart of Trump’s brand – his real estate empire. Trump denies any wrongdoing.