Trump Elated After Attorney-Witness Exchange in Fraud Trial
Even though Donal Trump did not have the best of days in the courtroom on Wednesday during his New York fraud case, he seemed happy with at least one exchange.
When Trump’s team was able to cross-examine Doug Larson, a former executive at the commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, they went for blood.
So much of this case depends on the legitimacy of the appraisals that were given of Trump’s properties, it was no surprise to see the dramatics kick up a notch, nor was it a surprise to see Trump so delighted by it all.
Perry Mason
Larson claimed that Trump manipulated appraisals to make the properties more valuable than the firm had estimated.
He also stated that contrary to what Trump had stated, he “never” worked for Trump and said the use of his work was "inappropriate" and its figures "inaccurate."
Trump attorney Lazaro Fields started it off right away, asking Larson, "You lied yesterday, didn't you?"
Attorney Christopher Kise accused Larson of perjuring himself during his testimony.
Counsel for the AG, Colleen Flaherty, then accused Trump’s legal team of “witness intimidation.”
Trump talked to the media after the day’s courtroom session, seemingly delighted by what happened.
He told the media, "This was like Perry Mason.
"The government lied, they just lied. They didn’t reveal all of the information that they had.”
The problem for Trump is that all these theatrics may look great and be fun in the courtroom, but they generally only work in a jury trial, which this is not.
The only person making a decision in this case is Judge Engoron, and by all accounts, he has already made up his mind.
He has actually already called out the theatrics by Trump’s attorneys once, so, if anything, this could be hurting Trump more than helping him.
As I stated before, the chances of Trump winning this case are very slim, and I think he and his attorneys know it. The real fun will be during the appeals process, which is where I believe Trump will be victorious.
