Donald Trump's two sons presented starkly different demeanours while testifying in the business fraud case that threatens their family's empire. Though dressed similarly, with pale blue ties appearing coordinated, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump could not have been more distinct on the witness stand.
Donald Trump Jr, the eldest, carried over bravado and humour from his first day, replying 'Rinse and repeat' after repetitive questioning. He denied knowledge of accounting practices despite running the company, and even appeared to flirt with courtroom artists during a break. His statements outside court mirrored his father's 'witch hunt' defence, calling the case 'purely a political persecution'.
In contrast, Eric Trump was circumspect and tense. He initially denied involvement with financial statements, but was confronted with an email from 2013 referencing them. During a heated exchange, he insisted, 'I had no involvement and never worked on my father's statement of financial condition.' Unlike his brother, he did not socialise with court staff, instead shifting his weight back and forth by the defence table.
Both brothers serve as executive vice-presidents of the Trump Organization and are named in the New York attorney general's lawsuit alleging widespread fraud. A judge's ruling could potentially strip them of the ability to do business in New York. Donald Trump, for whom they allegedly acted, was absent from court on Thursday but posted a message of support on Truth Social.
