Legal experts have critiqued Eric Trump’s recent testimony in the New York fraud trial, expressing a view that it did not bode well for his family’s defense. Eric Trump, much like his brother Donald Trump Jr., put the blame on the company’s accountants for inaccurate financial statements, a strategy that didn’t fare well in court.
Former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman highlighted that Eric Trump’s appearance on the stand was difficult as he repeatedly referenced signing documents, including those for bank loans, that contained inaccuracies. Litman also mentioned Eric’s attempts to rely on the accountants’ work and his inability to recall crucial details, which seemed to falter under scrutiny.
CNN legal analyst Elie Honig echoed this sentiment, noting that Eric Trump’s testimony could complicate his father’s appearance in court. Honig explained that while Eric had previously invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during his deposition, Donald Trump’s situation has changed significantly with multiple indictments. He warned of potential repercussions if Trump takes the stand and inadvertently says something that piques prosecutors’ interest, possibly leading to the opening of a criminal case against him.
The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, also criticized Eric and Donald Jr. in a social media video, emphasizing discrepancies between their claims and the actual evidence uncovered during the investigation. She highlighted instances where Eric Trump had involvement in misleading financial representations and contradicted his statements during the investigation.
James ended the video with a warning to Donald Trump, expressing determination in revealing the truth, despite any attempts to intimidate or divert attention during his upcoming appearance on the stand.
