Trump had posted on social media a photo of the clerk, whom he identified by name, in which she poses with Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer. Trump called the clerk “Schumer’s girlfriend” and added: “How disgraceful! This lawsuit must be stopped immediately!” Trump’s post was later deleted.
Trump attended his trial for the second day on Tuesday. Just like on Monday, he took advantage of the media attention to claim that he is the victim of a political witch hunt. The trial will determine what the punishment will be for the years of fraud he allegedly committed as a businessman.
A judge ruled last Tuesday that Trump and the company are liable for the fraud. The state of New York has asked for a fine of approximately $250 million and demands that Trump and his company be banned from doing business in New York state.
On Tuesday, the 77-year-old Trump also lashed out at New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the case against him. He called her “very corrupt” and “very incompetent”. On Monday he had called James, who is black, “racist”. Before the trial began, Trump once called the appointed judge, Arthur Engoron, “deranged.”
Trump was not required to be present in court for the first two days of the trial, but chose to do so. He took a seat next to his lawyers. His two sons Don Jr. and Eric were also present in the courtroom as defendants.