Site last updated: Monday, August 18, 2025
Welcome, GuestSign In

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Trump seethes through the start of trial in New York lawsuit accusing him of lying about his wealth

Former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during a lunch break at New York Supreme Court in New York on Monday. Trump is attending the start of a civil trial in a lawsuit that already has resulted in a judge ruling that he committed fraud in his business dealings. Associated Press

NEW YORK — Aggrieved and defiant, former President Donald Trump spent a day in court Monday for the sometimes testy start of a trial in a fraud lawsuit that could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.

“Disgraceful trial,” he declared during a lunch break, after listening to lawyers for New York Attorney General Letitia James excoriate him as a habitual liar. The state's lawsuit accuses the business mogul-turned-politician and his company of deceiving banks, insurers and others by misstating his wealth for years in financial statements.

“They were lying year after year after year,” Kevin Wallace, a lawyer in James' office, said as Trump sat at the defense table. He looked straight ahead, arms crossed, facing away from a screen that showed details of Wallace's presentation.

Trump denies wrongdoing and voluntarily attended a trial that he called a “sham," a “scam,” a waste of the state's time and “a continuation of the single greatest witch hunt of all time.” Currently the Republican front-runner in the 2024 presidential race, he reiterated claims that James, a Democrat, is trying to thwart his bid to return to the White House.

More in National News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS