Former President Donald Trump is set to testify once again in his civil fraud trial in New York on December 11, according to his lawyers. Trump had previously testified on November 6, after being called to the stand by the New York attorney general's office. This time, however, Trump's own lawyers will lead the questioning and have the opportunity to ask about a wider range of subjects. The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James claims that Trump and his company misled lenders and insurers by providing them with financial statements that exaggerated his asset values and net worth. Trump vehemently denied these allegations on the stand, insisting that he is worth billions of dollars more than what is stated in the financial statements.

The trial, which is now in its second month, is shedding light on Trump's real estate empire and its role in his public and political life. Trump alleges that James, a Democrat, is intentionally trying to damage his campaign. At the center of the case are the annual "statements of financial condition" that Trump submitted between 2014 and 2021 to secure loans and other deals. Mark Hawthorn, the chief operating officer of the Trump Organization's hotel arm, testified that the company no longer produces such comprehensive reports. While the company continues to prepare audits and other financial reports for specific components, there is no longer a roll-up financial statement for the entire organization.

Hawthorn, who has worked for the Trump Hotels arm since 2016, clarified that he is not the chief financial officer for the entire Trump Organization, despite claims made by Donald Trump Jr. earlier in his testimony. The defense argues that various companies under the Trump Organization have provided extensive financial documents that have not been questioned until now. However, the attorney for James' office emphasized that the lawsuit is specifically focused on Trump's overall statements of financial condition.

Judge Arthur Engoron, who will decide the verdict in this nonjury trial, has already ruled that Trump and the other defendants engaged in fraud. The current proceedings aim to address remaining claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsifying business records. James is seeking over $300 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York. Additionally, a receiver has been appointed to take control of some of Trump's properties, although this order has been temporarily frozen by an appeals court.

It is worth noting that the civil fraud case in New York is not the only legal challenge facing Trump. He is also facing several other allegations, but these are not part of the current trial. Furthermore, Trump's upcoming testimony comes at a crucial time, just one month before the 2024 presidential election, where he is currently the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. In addition to his civil trial, Trump is also facing four criminal trials next year. The timing of these legal proceedings adds a unique dynamic to his campaign.