In a civil fraud trial overseen by Judge Engoron, former President Donald Trump faced further criticism as the judge questioned the credibility of Trump’s accounting expert, Eli Bartov, and rejected key points of Trump’s defense. Engoron expressed concerns about Bartov’s credibility, who serves as a research professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
The judge also criticized Trump’s legal team for employing courtroom theatrics designed to make an impact on the jury or media rather than focusing on presenting evidence, according to the Conservative Brief’s report on December 19, 2023.
Engoron, who had previously exhibited unconventional behavior in court, slamming his hand on the table during a witness’s cross-examination, emphasized the need to parse the evidence. Trump’s attorneys argued for the necessity of parsing evidence, to which Engoron responded, “We need to be allowed to parse the evidence. We didn’t bring this case.”
In a prior ruling, Engoron found Trump, his adult sons, and their businesses liable for persistent fraud and ordered the dissolution of Trump’s business certificates, a decision Trump has appealed.
The judge will determine the amount of disgorgement, or ill-gotten gains, that Trump will be required to pay based on the earlier ruling that deemed the financial statements fraudulent. The attorney general’s office is seeking over $250 million and a ban on Trump and his two adult sons from doing business in New York State again.
The trial, marked by heated exchanges and legal maneuvering, has faced scrutiny, and Engoron’s decisions hold significant authority under New York law. A ruling is expected next month after closing arguments in court.
