During former President Donald Trump’s ongoing civil fraud trial, New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov, a key defense witness, disclosed that he received an astonishing $1,350 per hour for his testimony, leading to a total payment of nearly $900,000.
The unexpected turn of events unfolded during Bartov’s testimony on Thursday, where he defended Trump against allegations of fraud related to financial disclosures for bank loans. However, during cross-examination on Friday, Bartov admitted to spending a total of 650 hours on the case, significantly exceeding his initial estimate in July by 400 hours.
The discrepancy raised concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the payment, prompting questions about the impact on Bartov’s credibility and objectivity. Trump, present during the direct examination, seized on Bartov’s assertion that there was no evidence of accounting fraud in the financial statements used to secure bank loans.
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However, Bartov clarified that he was not allowed to express an opinion on Trump’s intent behind inflating property values, including the tripling of the square footage for Trump’s Fifth Avenue apartment.
While compensation for expert witnesses is not uncommon, the substantial payment to Bartov has added a new layer of scrutiny to the trial. Payments to witnesses are regularly probed to assess potential impacts on their credibility, particularly in high-profile cases.
The ongoing trial, closely monitored by the public, is now under increased scrutiny due to this revelation. Observers are eager to see how the payments to defense witnesses may influence the broader narrative of the case and its implications for Trump.
As legal proceedings continue, the intricate interplay between financial dynamics, political maneuvering, and personal challenges shapes the ongoing narratives surrounding key figures in the American political landscape. The revelations in the trial contribute to the broader discourse on accountability, transparency, and the dynamics of power.
