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Trial day 2 highlights: Trump says he’ll testify in New York civil trial

"3 things that stood out on Day 1 of Trump's New York fraud trial"

Tuesday was Day 2 of the New York attorney general's civil fraud trial against Trump, his company and his two adult sons.

Day 2 Trump blamed the fraud on the accountant, Bender.

3h ago / 8:37 PM UTC
Trump lawyer suggests ex-accountant was responsible for financial statements

Adam Reiss and Dareh Gregorian

During cross-examination this afternoon, Trump lawyer Jesus Suarez tried to pin the blame for inflated financial statements on Trump's former accountant, Donald Bender.

Suarez noted in his questioning that Bender was the only CPA — certified public accountant — compiling the documents, and that others involved like former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg didn't have that level of expertise.

Bender, who said he made $1 million to $2 million a year, said in response to questioning that he was the one responsible for making sure everything was submitted correctly. But he countered that the company should have provided him with proper financial data, including appraisals.

Earlier today, under questioning by the AG's office, Bender said that he'd compiled the financial statements based solely on information he received from Trump and his company.

Was scolded by Engoron for attacking his law clerk in a post on Trump Social

4h ago / 7:18 PM UTC

Judge scolds Trump for posting disparaging remarks about staffer

Lisa Rubin

When court resumed at 3 p.m. ET, Engoron noted that earlier today, Trump made a social media post about his law clerk that was also emailed to millions of people.

Engoron said that he ordered the post to be taken down and that personal attacks on his staff were unacceptable and would not be tolerated. He noted that he had warned the parties about such attacks yesterday. He finished: “Consider this a gag order on all parties with respect to posting or publicly speaking about any member of my staff.”

He also said that violations of his order would lead to swift, meaningful sanctions.

Note also that the picture in question — which featured the staffer with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer — was originally on an Instagram page she maintained in connection with a campaign for a civil court judgeship. That page is now private.

And apparently put on a happier face.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/live-blog/trump-fraud-trial-live-updates-rcna118408