Trump Organization fraud trial opens, as ex-US president slams ‘witch hunt’
- The company, run by Donald Jnr and Eric Trump, has been charged with hiding compensation in paid top executives between 2005 and 2021
- Long-time CFO Allen Weisselberg has already pleaded guilty to 15 counts of tax fraud, and is expected to testify against his former firm
The trial of Donald Trump’s family business on fraud and tax evasion charges began in New York on Monday, with the former US president immediately dismissing as it as a political stunt.
Manhattan prosecutors have charged the Trump Organization, currently run by Trump’s two adult sons, Donald Jnr and Eric Trump, with hiding compensation it paid to top executives between 2005 and 2021.
Trump, who is not named in the case, slammed the charges as a “witch hunt” by rivals, weeks ahead of congressional elections on November 8.
“The highly partisan Democrat Witch Hunt goes on, this time in New York … right during the important Mid-Term Elections, of course,” he said on social media.
The company faces potential fines of over US$1.5 million if found guilty.
US news outlets said Judge Juan Merchan had made media access to the courtroom difficult and had warned the 130 jury candidates that their selection could take a week, so as to filter out any supporters or open opponents of the divisive former Republican president. The trial could last a month and a half, he said.