Good morning from Manhattan criminal court, where the ex-president's company is still on trial for dodging taxes.
We got our first sign that this is a united jury.
Faced with a possible COVID exposure, all quickly voted to continue with the trial. Took about 3 min flat.
Does that mean they'll convict or acquit the company just as fast? That would be impressive. We'll see in a few weeks.
Next up on the witness stand: a forensic auditor at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. He'll probably address how the Trump Org fell short.
Up on the screen now: Allen and Hilary Weisselberg's NY resident income tax returns. Prosecutors are taking a closer look at how exactly the Trump Org CFO dodged taxes.
He reported $724,006 of income in 2015, including $201k in "business income."
We're digging into how Weisselberg lied to shrink his official salary by calling himself an "independent contractor" at times.
Mukaila Rabiu, tax official: When you're an employee, the employer controls what you do. If you're an independent contractor, you decide when you work.
Tax auditor's testimony on pause. Jury & witness have left courtroom.
Trump Org's defense lawyers are trying to totally redefine this case, making it seem as if jury will decide tax policy.
Justice Juan Merchan: "I said this would not become... a masterclass on taxation."
Curious back-and-forth now that hints at a core issue with this case.
Was Trump's decision to pay for Weisselberg's grandkids' tuition a gift? Remember, Weisselberg said he'd pay back—and he did it by reducing his own taxable income.
Trump Org defense lawyer Alan Futerfas: It's a gift. Weisselberg said Trump was "being generous!"
Judge: "You don't pay back a gift."
Jose Pagliery
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