Trump denounces case as ‘scam’ as he arrives for NY trial over business practices

Protesters chant outside New York Supreme Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's civil business fraud trial on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman)
Protesters chant outside New York Supreme Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's civil business fraud trial on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman)

Former US president Donald Trump denounces the civil fraud case over his business practices as a politically motivated “scam” as he arrives defiantly for a trial in the lawsuit, which could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.

“This is a continuation of the single greatest witch hunt of all time,” he says as he makes a voluntary trip to a New York court for a trial that has high stakes for him.

“It’s a scam. It’s a sham,” the Republican says, reiterating claims that the suit is a politically motivated attempt to thwart his return to the White House.

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ suit accuses Trump and his company of deceiving banks, insurers and others by habitually lying about his wealth in financial statements.

Judge Arthur Engoron already has ruled that Trump committed fraud in his business dealings. It is a non-jury trial, so Engoron will decide on six other claims in the lawsuit.

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