In recent developments, former President Donald Trump's legal troubles have taken a significant turn, with George Conway, conservative attorney and ex-husband of Kellyanne Conway, suggesting that Trump's heightened interest in his New York fraud trial indicates a deep-seated fear of losing his real estate empire. This comes as Trump faces a $250 million civil lawsuit, one of his many legal challenges, but arguably the one that has garnered the most attention from the former president himself.
According to a report from RadarOnline, George Conway alleged that Trump's intense involvement in the New York fraud trial stems from his fear of losing his business. The ex-president has been notably present at the Manhattan courthouse, dedicating several long days to the proceedings. This lawsuit, while just one of many legal issues Trump is currently facing, seems to have struck a nerve. Judge Engoron had previously ruled that Trump built his real estate empire on fraudulent practices, a decision that has likely added to Trump's anxieties.
George Conway, also a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, opined on the matter during an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe." He suggested that Trump's vested interest in the case is directly related to the personal stakes involved. While Trump faces potential jail time in other cases, this particular lawsuit could dismantle his real estate empire and bar him from conducting business in his home state of New York. Conway stated, "This puts him out of business. This case is putting him out of business."
RawStory further highlighted Conway's remarks, where he emphasized Trump's apparent dread regarding the outcome of the trial. Conway noted that Trump's three children, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, are set to testify in the trial, where Judge Engoron has already determined that financial fraud took place. Conway's assessment of Trump's state of mind was clear: the former president is "terrified."
The specifics of the case reveal that Trump is battling to keep his company operational in New York. A prior summary ruling by Judge Arthur Engoron found that Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, had consistently deceived banks, insurers, and others. They allegedly misrepresented Trump's net worth and the value of assets on financial documents to secure more favorable loan and insurance deals. New York's Attorney General, Letitia James, is currently pushing for a $250 million fine, along with stringent sanctions that could effectively reduce Trump's real estate ventures to rubble.
The gravity of the situation is further underscored by Trump's reactions during the trial. After an initial summary ruling by Engoron, Trump lashed out at a staff member in a post on Truth Social. This led Engoron to issue a partial gag order, which Trump subsequently violated, resulting in a $5,000 fine. A second fine of $10,000 was imposed after Trump made statements to the press at the courthouse, which Engoron interpreted as another attack on his law clerk. The day culminated in Trump storming out of court after his attorney's motion to dismiss the trial was denied.
