The charges against Trump

 

Prosecutor Letitia James is leading the prosecution against Donald Trump. Brittany Newman / AP 

  

The charges against Trump  

Analysis: The indictment targets Trump's core — the money 

 

It is not difficult to understand why Donald Trump was so angry when he appeared in court in New York on Monday, writes Stephen Collinson in an analysis for CNN. The fraud charge, which is about Trump and two of his sons inflating the value of the family company, takes aim at the ex-president's core: the money. Trump's lawyers claim, contrary to the prosecutors, that the company The Trump Organization may be undervalued because Trump has not included the value of his "image" in the calculations. Philip Bump writes in the Washington Post that it is not so difficult to understand why Donald Trump seems almost surprised that he is being charged with fraud. Being prosecuted for economic crime has become increasingly rare since the turn of the millennium. The number of federal prosecutions related to economic crimes has decreased by 50 percent in the last 20 years. A majority of the notifications are also closed, writes Bump.   

 

 

Trump speaks to reporters in connection with the first day of the trial. Craig Ruttle/AP  

 

Trump furious in court: "The judge should be removed"  

 

Former US President Donald Trump was "furious" when the first day of the trial in the fraud case against him and two of his sons took place on Monday, writes Axios. The site notes that Trump has had an angry tone on social media recently, and it was something that was also noticed at the court in New York. 

 

- This is a judge who should be removed. This is a judge who should not be here. This is a judge who, according to some people, could be impeached for what he is doing, Trump said in connection with the trial.  

 

The words were directed at Judge Arthur Engoron who is judging the case. Engoron has so far chosen not to respond to Trump's actions.  

 

Trump and sons Eric and Donald Jr. have already been found guilty of fraud. What is to be decided in the ongoing trial is the penalty. Prosecutors are seeking $250 million in fines.