The trial that Donald Trump and his co-defendants are currently undergoing in New York City is not a question of guilt or innocence. The State of New York knows that Trump and the others committed the offence. They know that Trump properties and other assets were overstated in value in a continued effort to deceive banks, lenders and fellow Americans as to the real wealth of Mr. Trump. This trial is seeking an appropriate penalty.
It has been obvious to observers for more than five years that Mr. Trump had a reason to conceal his real wealth. Where former American presidents were willing to release their financial figures, Mr. Trump refused. He lied to Americans. Any thinking person would realize that the only reason to hide the real figures is to cover up the fiction that he is a multi-billionaire. He has no bragging rights to such wealth.
Mr. Trump is a property developer. Regrettably, there is a tendency in that business to over-inflate the value of properties to cover mortgages and loans needed to finance development projects. The truth has never been a Trump ally.
As much as we might want our politicians to tell the truth, Mr. Trump carried this penchant for creative falsehoods with him to the White House. While some people might assume that all politicians lie, the truth is that the voters would prefer that they were not told lies.
Americans have never before seen anything like the final days of Mr. Trump’s time in the White House. It was his time of denial. He denied that he lost in his bid for re-election. He claimed he was cheated. He asked loyal followers to join in insurrection. He instigated the January six attack on the Capitol He took classified documents with him when he had to leave the White House. It was not an orderly transition.
Mr. Trump is still complaining.
Mr. Trump still wants to be president. He is planning to run next year. He is planning to run despite the verdicts of the courts. He is planning to run despite many American Republicans who do not want him to be their candidate. The arguments will continue over the coming year.
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Copyright 2023 © Peter Lowry
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