"Trump's Civil Fraud Trial: Lawyers Fail Bid for Early Verdict, Trial Continues"

Donald Trump's lawyers were unsuccessful in their attempt to end the New York civil fraud trial against the former president and his real estate empire. The judge indicated that the trial will continue as scheduled, with Donald Trump Jr. returning as the first defense witness. Trump's lawyers had requested a directed verdict, arguing that the state lawyers had failed to prove their case. The judge did not rule on the request but allowed the defense to call expert witnesses to refute testimony regarding Trump's financial statements. The trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump and others inflated his wealth on financial statements to deceive banks, insurers, and others.