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In the New York civil fraud trial, Donald Trump was present as the defense's final expert witness, Eli Bartov, declared the absence of any accounting fraud. Bartov later disclosed that he earned approximately $877,500 for his expert testimony, billing $1,350 per hour for around 650 hours of work. The source of his payment included funds from the Trump Organization and Trump's Save America PAC. During the proceedings, Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, expressed frustration with objections from the attorney general's team, questioning the value of their experts' input. Another defense expert, Frederick Chin, who testified on real estate valuation, billed $850 per hour for 1,000 hours, totaling $850,000. The state's sole expert witness, Michael McCarty, acknowledged a rate of $950 per hour, earning around $350,000 for his testimony. These billing details shed light on the substantial costs of one of Trump's many legal battles, a series of criminal and civil challenges that the Save America PAC has spent $40 million on in the first half of the year. Trump remained at the courthouse for the trial, praising Bartov's testimony and credentials. Bartov's glowing assessments of Trump's financial statements and transparency were met with skepticism from the state's attorneys, leading to heated exchanges in the courtroom. Bartov strongly refuted the grounds of the lawsuit, asserting that Trump's financial statements included disclaimers, emphasizing lenders' responsibility for due diligence. Judge Engoron, who had earlier ruled that Trump and others were liable for fraud, reiterated that false statements in business are unacceptable. The case alleges that Trump and his sons inflated asset values to secure favorable loans and insurance deals, charges they deny. Trump, having already testified, decided not to testify again. The cross-examination of Bartov is set to continue as the trial concludes.

Trump ‘immunity’ claim in election interference case goes before Supreme Court: Live The former president civil fraud trial is wrapping up in New York while his former lawyer Rudy Giuliani is on trial for defamation in Washington DC Oliver O'Connell , Alex Woodward 4 hours ago 1 Comments Close Donald Trump claims there was ‘no fraud whatsoever’ at New York for trial Evening Headlines The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Email I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Donald Trump’s claim that “presidential immunity” protects him from prosecution in his federal election interference case will soon be heard by the US Supreme Court. On Monday, special counsel Jack Smith asked the nation’s highest court to expedite and rule on the matter speedily – something the court agreed to do just hours later. Mr Trump now has until 4pm on 20 December to respond. The latest twist in the case comes as Mr Trump’s civil fraud trial is wrapping up in Lower Manhattan and as the defamation trial of Trump lawyer and former mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani got underway in Washington, DC following the selection of an eight-person jury. A judge has already found Mr Giuliani liable for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss by falsely claiming they committed election fraud. On Monday, Mr Giuliani spewed his defamatory comments once again outside the courtroom leading to his lawyer being admonished by the judge. Ms Moss took the stand on Tuesday, recalling in emotional testimony the harassment and threats she suffered due to Mr Giuliani’s false allegations, and how her life has been turned upside down by him.

In a live update from News World Americas, Donald Trump is capitalizing on his notoriety by launching a new series of digital trading cards, named the "Mug Shot Edition," featuring the infamous photograph taken at Fulton County jail in Georgia in August. This marketing move coincides with the concluding stages of the former president's civil fraud trial in New York, while his former lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, is currently facing a defamation trial in Washington, DC. As part of Trump's sales strategy, he offers a unique incentive for his supporters: purchasing 47 of the NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) will entitle buyers to a sample of the fabric from the suit he wore during the arraignment when the photograph was taken. Additionally, these purchasers will receive an invitation to dine with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, just in time for the Christmas season. This development occurs against the backdrop of a critical legal challenge. The US Supreme Court is deliberating on Trump's assertion of "presidential immunity" as a defense against prosecution in his federal election interference case. Special counsel Jack Smith has urged the court to expedite the ruling on this matter, a request to which the court has agreed. Trump has until 4 pm on Wednesday, December 20, to submit his response. This legal twist unfolds while Trump's civil fraud trial concludes in Lower Manhattan, and Giuliani's defamation trial unfolds in the capital. The courtroom drama continues to captivate attention as these parallel legal proceedings involving key figures in American politics reach pivotal junctures.