Donald Trump trial live updates: Case over real estate fraud begins in New York

Former President Donald Trump is the star of a fiery trial opening in New York today that may shine a light on how much money the real estate mogul turn politician is really worth.

In a civil trial that's expected to last three months, lawyers will try to determine how much Trump and his companies will be penalized for the fraud. Last week, a New York judge ruled that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million in damages. Potential witnesses include Trump, his children and former business associates.

Trump said he would attend the opening day, and spent the night at his Trump Tower in New York ahead of his courtroom appearance. In a social media post, he blasted Attorney General Letitia James as “corrupt” and the judge as “unfair, unhinged and vicious” for what he called a “sham” case.

“See you in Court – Monday morning,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Here is what to expect:

Court is back in session: Key moments from the morning

Opening statements have concluded in the New York trial of the former president, who has been accused of pumping up his net worth to get a better deal on loans.

Opening statements have concluded in the New York trial of the former president, who has been accused of pumping up his net worth to get a better deal on loans.

Supporters, protesters absent from fraud case

If Donald Trump was hoping for a big crowd of supporters, or even protesters, outside his civil trial, he'll be very disappointed.

The sidewalks around the New York courthouse are nearly empty, except for the media.

Quite a contrast with his April proceedings, when hundreds gathered at Trump’s arraignment to protest a New York state indictment on hush money charges.

− David Jackson

Who's the first witness in the case?

Donald Bender, who served as a tax consultant for the Trump Organization, will be the first witness, according to multiple reports.

Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and other close business advisors to the Trump organization are listed as potential witnesses. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll testify, but they could be called to answer questions before the court.

− Marina Pitofsky

Trump attorneys take aim at Michael Cohen

Multiple lawyers for the former president and his employees criticized Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former attorney, during the trial on Monday.

Clifford Robert, an attorney speaking on behalf of Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., argued that Cohen isn't a reliable source for information about the Trump Organization.

“When you talk about credibility, you’re going to have a guy who lies to everyone who is a convicted felon,” Robert said, according tomultiple reports.

Cohen was sentenced to prison in December 2018 after pleading guilty to campaign finance charges and lying to Congress, in addition to other crimes.

– Marina Pitofsky

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