Trump will testify in civil fraud case, former President Trump’s business empire at stake

Donald Trump is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom to testify in his civil fraud trial. The President and leading Republican presidential candidates are defending themselves against allegations that they have dramatically inflated their net worth. But this appearance could also mark the beginning of what will be a defining feature of the 2024 election if Trump becomes his party’s nominee: a major candidate, using the witness stand at the trial as a campaign platform because He eyes a return to White.

“This is going to be an amazing moment,” presidential historian Douglas Brinkley said. It would be dramatic enough if he were the only former president to face these charges. But the fact that he’s the favorite to run for the GOP makes it a surprise Monday. The courtroom at 60 Center Street has already become a familiar venue for Trump. He has spent many hours over the past month voluntarily sitting at the defense table, observing the proceedings. Trump took the stand unexpectedly and briefly after being accused of violating a partial ban order.

Trump denied violating the rules, but Judge Arthur Angoron disagreed and fined him anyway. Much of his speech has taken place outside the courtroom, where he has taken full advantage of the bank of media he has gathered to express his outrage and present the day’s proceedings in the most favorable light.