Share this @internewscast.com

An expert witness in the $250 million civil fraud trial against Donald Trump said in court Friday that the former president’s political action committee has paid for a portion of his fees to testify on behalf of the defense.

Eli Bartov, an accounting professor from New York University, said that his $900,000 in compensation was split between the Trump Organization and Trump’s Save America PAC.

While it’s not unusual for a defendant in a trial to pay expert witness fees — in this case, the Trump Organization — the use of campaign-oriented funds underscores the large amount of money being spent by Trump’s PAC on his legal battles.

Save America spent more than $20 million on legal fees in the first six months of the year, according to campaign finance reports filed in July with the Federal Election Commission. The legal expenditures accounted for two-thirds of the political operation’s total spending in the first half of the year.

A review of FEC records shows a single payment from the Save America PAC to Bartov in April for $40,500. The database does not contain a record of any other payment to Bartov since 2021.

In a July deposition, after the period covered by the FEC filing, Bartov said his hourly rate was $1,350 and billed monthly. He noted that the defense at that point had paid him roughly $520,000, which included two reports on Trump’s finances, and the funds came from both the Trump Organization and the PAC.

“Sometimes I see Trump Organization. Sometimes I see Save America,” Bartov said, referring to the how the transfers appeared on his bank statements at the time. He added that roughly $220,000 to $250,000 “came from what it says on the statement, ‘Save America,’ maybe it’s Mr. Trump, I don’t know, but it says ‘Save America.’”

On Friday, Bartov said he has devoted some 650 hours to working on the case, the equivalent to three-plus months of 50-hour work weeks.

The NYU professor, whose research centers on financial reporting, equity valuation and executive compensation, has appeared in court to deliver expert testimony more than a dozen times, including for the federal government.

During his testimony on Thursday, Bartov contended that there was “no evidence whatsoever for any accounting fraud,” and argued that the New York Attorney General’s Office had drawn flawed conclusions about Trump’s financial statements. The trial stems from a lawsuit the attorney general filed against the Trumps and the Trump Organization, accusing them of inflating financial statements by billions of dollars.

Trump, who attended the trial on Thursday, referred to Bartov as “a very strong witness, a very powerful witness and a highly respected person.”

Save America did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Bartov’s testimony.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Rubio, Huckabee meet with families of US citizens whose remains are being held hostage in Gaza

Rubio and Huckabee Engage with Families of Americans Held in Gaza

In a significant diplomatic effort, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside U.S.…
Charlie Kirk inspires Gen Z to trade parties for prayer as college frats spark faith revival, expert says

Charlie Kirk Ignites Faith Revival: Gen Z Swaps College Parties for Prayer as Fraternities Embrace Spiritual Awakening

Fraternity houses across the United States are witnessing a shift from party…
Trump witnesses Thailand, Cambodia sign peace expansion months after brokering ceasefire

Historic Peace Expansion: Trump Celebrates Landmark Thailand-Cambodia Accord Following Ceasefire Success

On Sunday, Cambodia and Thailand officially extended a ceasefire agreement that was…
A bomb in Gaza's rubble wounds twins who thought it was a toy

Tragedy in Gaza: Twins Mistakenly Play with Bomb Hidden in Rubble

In Gaza City, a pair of six-year-old twins mistook a round object…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Authorities Determine Teen’s ‘Gel Blaster’ Shooting in Skokie’s Shawnee Park as Antisemitic Hate Crime: Police Report

In SKOKIE, Illinois, local authorities have determined that a teenager’s use of…
Our Chicago: llinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation fostering the next generation of Latino leaders

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Paves Path for Future Latino Leaders in Chicago

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation was established in 2002 by a…
Warfare expert calls Gaza rebuilding plan 'Disneyland strategy' to defeat Hamas

Warfare Expert Criticizes Gaza Rebuilding Strategy as ‘Disneyland Approach’ in Hamas Conflict Resolution

As the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza holds steady, a novel proposal to…
Ravens-Bears game today: Baltimore Ravens defeat Chicago Bears 30-16

Ravens Soar Over Bears: Baltimore Clinches Dominant 30-16 Victory – Game Highlights & Analysis

In an impressive display on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens secured a commanding…
Nick Mangold, beloved former Jets offensive lineman, dies at age 41

Former Jets Star Offensive Lineman Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41

CINCINNATI — The New York Jets mourn the loss of Nick Mangold,…
Making daylight saving time permanent: Where all 50 states stand

Daylight Saving Time: A State-by-State Guide to Permanent Adoption Plans

Is it finally the right moment to abandon the semi-annual clock change?…
‘Narco-banners’ reportedly threaten Americans in vacation hot spot where cartels rule like mafia: expert

Narco-Banner Warnings: Cartel Threats Target American Tourists in Popular Vacation Destinations

Recent reports of alleged “narco-banners” warning Americans to steer clear of Mexico’s…
Chicago immigration activity: Federal agents detain worker in Old Irving Park, appear to use tear gas; fear disrupts local parade

Federal Agents Detain Worker in Old Irving Park, Tear Gas Suspected; Local Parade Plunged into Chaos in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Saturday, federal agents were once again active on…