Ex-Trump CFO Weisselberg Under Consideration for Perjury Charge

Manhattan prosecutors are considering the possibility of a perjury charge against Donald Trump’s former corporate finance chief for his testimony at the ex-president’s New York civil fraud trial, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the Associated Press.

Allen Weisselberg, the longtime chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, spent two days testifying at the trial, addressing allegations that Trump had misrepresented his wealth on financial statements provided to banks and insurance companies.

It’s unclear which part of Weisselberg’s testimony has drawn the attention of prosecutors in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office.

A decision on whether to charge Weisselberg is not currently imminent, as Bragg’s office is still in the early stages of internal discussions and talks with Weisselberg’s legal team, the sources said, noting that this may not lead to a criminal charge. Both sources spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The news of a potential perjury charge was first reported by The New York Times. Messages seeking comment were left for Weisselberg’s lawyers, and Bragg’s office declined to comment, as did New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office, which brought the civil lawsuit.

Weisselberg served 100 days in jail last year for tax evasion related to $1.7 million in off-the-books compensation from the Trump Organization, and he is currently on probation.

If charged with perjury, the 76-year-old’s retirement in Florida could be disrupted, and it may impact his loyalty to his former boss, who has been covering his $2 million severance and legal bills.

The inquiry into the truthfulness of Weisselberg’s testimony in the civil lawsuit is separate from the criminal case that Bragg brought against Trump last year regarding allegations of falsifying company records to cover up hush money payments. That trial is scheduled to begin in late March.

Bragg and James are Democrats.

During the civil case, Weisselberg downplayed his involvement in preparing Trump’s financial statements, frequently responding to questions with variations of “I don’t remember” or “I don’t recall.” He also testified about the overvaluation of Trump’s penthouse at Trump Tower and his knowledge of the discrepancy.

Weisselberg’s plea deal in August 2022 was related to charges of failing to pay taxes on $1.7 million in corporate perks, including a Manhattan apartment, Mercedes-Benz cars, and his grandchildren’s school tuition. After serving time in Rikers Island, he testified as a prosecution witness against the Trump Organization in a trial for tax evasion.

A lawyer for the Trump Organization, Susan Necheles, stated last year that “Weisselberg’s testimony at trial was extremely helpful to the defense and hurt the prosecution.”

During a grand jury investigation last year, Bragg’s office suggested the possibility of charging Weisselberg with more crimes related to his decades of managing the Trump Organization’s finances, which could bring new charges.