Trump Accused of Manipulating Real Estate Values
Former President Denies Responsibility for Financial Statements

Former US President Donald Trump is facing allegations of manipulative real estate appraisals in the ongoing New York court case. Trump defends himself by claiming the accountants and bankers are responsible for the details of the financial statements, highlighting the challenges in appraising New York property values.
The charges from New York Attorney General Letitia James are significant, involving claims that Trump made false statements about his real estate assets to gain financial benefits in loans and insurance dealings. The prosecution estimates the extent of the fraud at approximately 250 million dollars. Trump distances himself from the specific figures and emphasizes his general authorization to his employees for the preparation of financial reports.
The spotlight in the trial shines particularly on Deutsche Bank, Trump's main lender, which over the years has provided about two billion dollars in loans. After the events of January 6, 2021, the bank distanced itself from Trump, but the trial brings the relationship back into scrutiny. Several current and former Deutsche Bank employees are listed as witnesses.
While the prosecution aims to uncover the manipulative practices, Trump's lawyer Chris Kise argues that there was no fraudulent intent as both sides were aware of the discrepancies. Kise presented correspondence between the Trump Organization and Deutsche Bank, revealing that the bank assessed Trump's assets at billions less than he did but still provided loans.
Trump also used his court appearance to emphasize his brand value and to criticize the court's valuation of his estate Mar-a-Lago as too low. The trial serves as a platform for political rivalry, with his lawyer referring to him as the "future" US President, alluding to current poll results.
The outcome of the trial, which is being heard directly before Judge Arthur Engoron and not in front of a jury, is pending. Trump, who has repeatedly expressed criticism of the judge and the judiciary, faces court-imposed gag orders and fines for violations. The legal battle also includes testimonies from his children, with the testimony of his daughter Ivanka Trump yet to come.
