“This Has Been a Total Witch Hunt!”: Defiant Donald Trump Accuses, Refuses, and Abuses in Explosive Testimony

Gabriel RomanNov 11, 2023

Minute Read

Ex-President Donald Trump faced a challenging day in court during his civil fraud trial, with a towering $250 million stake. Observers noted his heated exchanges and spirited defense from the witness stand. They questioned his attitude and behavior in the courtroom.

Trump’s Fiery Testimony

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Donald Trump approached his deposition in an aggressive way. His forceful language, which was clear when he described the Attorney General as “a disgrace,” underscored his defiance. In a striking tone, he stated, “This is a political witch hunt,” positioning himself in opposition to the authorities conducting the inquiry.

Judge’s Plea for Decorum

Judge Engoron felt compelled to intervene, addressing the counsel directly with a stern, “You can’t let him answer like that.” The judge’s insistence was a clear signal of the strain felt in the courtroom. “It’s not appropriate,” Judge Engoron stressed, highlighting the need for procedural decorum. Clearly, Trump had broken judicial protocol.

The Courtroom’s Political Boundary

Amid the proceedings, the judge issued a sharp reminder that the courtroom’s purpose was not for political posturing. “We’re not here for political statements,” he cautioned, drawing a clear line for Trump and the assembly within the court. This directive was intended to anchor the testimony to the factual and legal questions, not declarations.

Trump Challenges Valuations

Trump openly contested the allegations, stating, “I think it’s just a continuation of witch hunts.” His argument that the financial statements underestimated his assets potentially exposed a deeper implication of his hands-on role. “They are good loans. They are conservative,” he asserted, potentially unraveling his previous stance of detachment from the valuation process.

A Reporter’s Insight

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Sue Craig from the “New York Times” presented a nuanced take on the unfolding events, describing Trump’s testimony as “dramatic.” Standing outside the courthouse, Craig said, “It was really interesting to see the layers here.” She suggested that beneath the theatrical polish lay substantial legal strategies and implications that would resonate beyond the day’s headlines.

Weissmann’s Legal Analysis

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Andrew Weissmann offered his expert legal perspective, noting, “It’s not good for him.” He pointed out that Trump’s candid responses may have worsened his situation further legally, saying. “It’s potentially problematic.” He suggested that Trump’s words could strengthen the case against him rather than relieve his legal burdens.

Trump’s Defense Tactics

In his defense, Trump leaned on the argument that the banks were not naive, saying, “The banks are fully complicit.” He stressed that the financial institutions involved were sophisticated entities that would not blindly trust the statements, implying a broader practice within the industry. “They do their own work,” he argued.

The ‘Perfect Call’ Defense

Trump drew parallels with past defenses, claiming, “They are always conservative.” This reminded people of his prior “perfect call” defense. It suggested his stance about his financial self-assessment was accurate and modest. “I think I’m a very conservative person,” he said, a statement that may echo familiarly among his political base.

Properties and Performance

Trump’s portrayal of his assets focused on their prospective worth rather than their current fiscal performance. He didn’t focus on the financial realities that some properties are loss-making. Instead, he stressed, “I think they’re great assets.” Some argued that this was a tactic to underscore potential versus performance and offset any negative perceptions of his business skills.

Trump Personalizes the Proceedings

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The proceedings took a personal turn when Trump interpreted judicial findings as an attack, exclaiming, “This is a disgrace.” He personalized the legal process, steering the discussion toward his perception of being wrongfully targeted. “I’ve been targeted by the New York Attorney General,” he claimed, framing the legal scrutiny as a personal vendetta.

Playing the Victim Card

Throughout his testimony, Trump crafted a narrative of being under siege. This was a strategy likely devised for an audience beyond the courtroom. “They’re trying to hurt me,” he stated, projecting himself as a victim. Critics argued this was orchestrated for his supporters, potentially encouraging his base amid legal problems.

Trump’s Volume in Court

Trump’s vocal level in the courtroom frequently rose above the typical hushed tones. “This has been a total witch hunt,” he would exclaim, occasionally leading to Judge Engoron stepping in to interrupt. Trump’s loud and direct responses disrupted the flow, prompting the judge to assert his authority to reinstate order amidst the courtroom’s unusual cacophony.

Judge’s Control Over Proceedings

The early part of the session saw Judge Engoron firmly directing the courtroom traffic, demanding precision and relevance in testimony. “Please focus on the question,” the judge repeatedly urged. However, as the day wore on, his stance appeared to mellow, granting Trump’s legal team a wider berth in guiding their client’s responses.

Trump’s Direct Approach

While Trump’s sons distanced themselves from the particulars, Trump himself took a different route. “I was very involved,” he admitted, confirming a more hands-on approach to the disputed financial statements. This direct acknowledgment of his involvement confirms his control over his empire. However, it potentially also traps him in the details of the controversy.

Value Subjectivity in Real Estate

Trump then said, “Real estate values are very subjective.” He claimed that a property’s value is inherently fluid, echoing the industry saying that an asset is worth what someone is willing to pay. This stance on valuation was key to his defense, suggesting that the assessments were not false but rather reflective of a market-driven perspective.

Trump’s ‘Victim’ Facade Unravels Under Legal Pressure

The courtroom drama escalated as spectators suggested Trump’s behavior revealed more than intended. “We have to wake up, people. Trump always tries to play the victim; deep down inside, he knows he broke the laws,” one observer commented. To some, it appears that Trump’s performance might be a smokescreen for guilt.

Trump’s Tirade Seen as Liability, Not Strategy

Social media reactions to Trump’s testimony were scathing, with one user saying, “LOL! Does anyone seriously think that this judge will be impressed by Trump’s temper tantrum?” Some believe his outbursts might worsen his legal woes, potentially increasing the penalties imposed by Judge Engoron. Another user said, “Played the victim card perfectly? Ridiculous.”

Allegations of Bias vs. Evidence of Fraud

Some pointed fingers at apparent partiality, with one commenter noting, “The judge and the defense openly communicated their bias against Trump…and that in itself is wrong.” Another user agreed, saying, “He might have played the victim, but he is not. It’s the evidence of truth that has him so angry.” They argued the financial records spoke louder than any claims of judicial unfairness.