Trump's fraud trial is underway in New York

Donald Trump skipped the trial in which he ended up being found liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. But when he, his adult sons, and his business are facing a civil fraud trial that began Monday morning in New York, Trump is attending the trial. Priorities, right?

There’s no doubt that Trump and his fellow defendants will be found to have committed fraud—that decision happened last week when Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump had committed fraud by inflating his assets to get favorable terms from lenders and insurers. The judge then revoked some of Trump’s business licenses.

This trial follows that decision and will delve into the specific acts committed, with allegations including insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, falsifying business records, conspiracy to falsify business records, issuing false financial statements, and conspiracy to falsify financial statements. Although these are crimes, this is a civil case, so no one faces potential prison time. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million.