Former President Donald Trump has vowed to appeal the Trump Organization's tax fraud conviction, while lamenting that New York City has become "a hard place to be 'Trump.'"
A Manhattan jury on Tuesday found the Trump Organization guilty on all 17 counts related to tax fraud, conspiracy and falsifying business records. In a statement titled "Manhattan Witch Hunt!" and posted to Truth Social a short time later, the former president said that he was "disappointed" by the verdict, while maintaining that the organization was the victim of a "political witch hunt."
Trump himself did not face any charges in the case, although prosecutors said that he "knew exactly what was going on" and had taken part in actions that were "explicitly sanctioning tax fraud," according to the Associated Press. The case focused on the organization's scheme to defraud tax authorities by helping top executives avoid paying taxes on compensation that included perks like luxury cars and apartments.
Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg, who in August pleaded guilty to 15 counts related to conspiring with the company to avoid paying his personal taxes, was a key witness during the trial. Weisselberg reportedly pleaded guilty in exchange for a five-month jail sentence. Trump argued that the organization "knew nothing" about Weisselberg's crimes.
"Disappointed with the verdict in Manhattan, but will appeal," Trump said. "This case was about Allen Weisselberg committing tax fraud on his personal tax returns, etc., with he and every witness repeatedly testifying that President Trump and the Trump Family knew nothing about his actions, which he admits were done solely for his own benefit, and with no benefit to the two companies."
"This case is unprecedented and involved no monetary gain to these two Corporations," he added. "It is a continuation of the Greatest Political Witch Hunt in the History of our Country. New York City is a hard place to be 'Trump,' as businesses and people flee our once Great City!"
The organization will reportedly face a fine of up to $1.6 million, with a sentencing hearing set for January 13.
Nicholas Gravante, Weisselberg's attorney, told Newsweek that "the verdict reached by the jury today has no effect on Mr. Weisselberg's legal situation," adding that his client's "only obligation relating to the trial was that he testify truthfully, which clearly he did."
Dave Aronberg, state attorney for Palm Beach County, Florida, previously told Newsweek that the verdict would be little more than an "embarrassment" for the Trump Organization without "any lasting repercussions" unless the IRS opens a criminal investigation.
"The IRS has jurisdiction and can make things much more difficult for the former president and his company," Aronberg said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James separately filed a $250 million civil suit against Trump in September, accusing him of tax fraud and misrepresentation of company assets.
"Today's guilty verdict against the Trump Organization shows that we will hold individuals and organizations accountable when they violate our laws to line their pockets," she tweeted after the trial concluded.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that Tuesday's verdict had held the Trump Organization "accountable for their long-running criminal scheme."
"This was a case about greed and cheating," Bragg said. "In Manhattan, no corporation is above the law."
Newsweek has reached out to the Trump Organization for comment.
Update 12/6, 9:55 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to include a comment from Weisselberg's attorney, Nicholas Gravante.
About the writer
Aila Slisco is a Newsweek night reporter based in New York. Her focus is on reporting national politics, where she ... Read more