In recent months, two high-profile legal cases involving former President Donald Trump and his family have garnered significant attention. The first involved E. Jean Carroll’s rape accusation against Trump, while the second, currently in trial, sees New York Attorney General Letitia James taking on the Trump Organization. As an astute observer of legal proceedings, it is clear that these cases do not spell good news for the Trumps.
The E. Jean Carroll Case:
Having previously predicted the outcome of the E. Jean Carroll rape case, it is safe to state that Trump’s loss was expected. The upcoming trial in January will likely result in another defeat for Trump, with the primary question remaining the amount of damages to be awarded. Subsequent trials rarely deviate from a prior ruling, making it highly likely that Trump will face further legal setbacks in this ongoing saga.
The Case with Letitia James:
It is important to note that the Trumps are already on the losing side in the trial involving New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge has already ruled, via summary judgment, that the Trumps engaged in fraudulent activities. The current phase of the trial primarily focuses on determining the restitution the Trumps must pay. Despite media coverage highlighting witness testimonies, the final result is essentially a foregone conclusion.
Unhelpful Defense Strategies:
Trump’s legal team seems to be exacerbating their own troubles. It is unusual for lawyers to face sanctions for making frivolous arguments in court, yet Judge Engoron has already sanctioned Trump’s lawyers in this case. Trump himself has also been sanctioned twice for attacking the judge’s clerk after a gag order was issued forbidding such behavior. Publicly attacking the judge and undermining the proceedings only undermines the Trumps’ cause further.
Lack of Credibility:
The testimonies offered by Don Jr. and Eric Trump during the trial appear to follow a common strategy of deflecting responsibility. However, this approach is unlikely to achieve the desired outcome. Judges are well aware of the common practice of distancing oneself from failures, and it is anticipated that Judge Engoron will find the testimony of Don Jr. and Eric not credible. This lack of credibility will harm the Trumps’ defense.
Implications of Donald Trump’s Testimony:
While this article was written before Donald Trump himself testified, several factors suggest that his testimony may have adverse consequences. Engoron has already determined that multiple financial statements prepared by the Trump Organization contain false information. Furthermore, Trump’s previous testimony during a sanctions hearing demonstrated his lack of credibility under oath. When presented with documents contradicting his denials, Trump’s credibility may further be called into question.
Potential Invocation of the Fifth Amendment:
There is a possibility that Donald Trump may invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to testify on specific issues due to potential self-incrimination. In such a scenario, Judge Engoron will be permitted to presume that Trump’s testimony on those subjects, if given, would harm his case. Trump’s reluctance to answer certain questions may prove detrimental, tarnishing his defense and strengthening the case against him.
The Timing and Outcome:
The timing of Judge Engoron’s final ruling remains uncertain. However, based on the judge’s thoroughness in the previous summary judgment decision, it is expected that his subsequent opinion will be lengthy, detailed, and persuasive to avoid reversal on appeal. The extent of damages, restitution, or penalties to be imposed on the Trumps remains speculative, as it would require a deeper analysis of expert opinions presented during the trial.
While sensible journalism dictates reporting after events unfold, this article aims to offer predictions before they occur. As an experienced legal professional, the author anticipates a not-so-favorable outcome for the Trumps in both the E. Jean Carroll case and the ongoing trial with Letitia James. It is only a matter of time before the judgments are handed down and their consequences become evident. The legal battles ahead may fundamentally impact the Trump family’s reputation and legal standing.

