Donald Trump acknowledged during direct examination that he overvalued at least two properties in his statements of financial condition, though he broadly represented that the statements underestimated his total net worth.
"Did you ever think that the values were off in your statement of financial condition?" state attorney Kevin Wallace asked about the document at the center of the case, which the New York attorney general has alleged contained fraudulent valuations.
"Yes, on occasion. Both high and low," Trump said, appearing to surprise Wallace, who paused to allow Trump to continue his answer.
Compared to his sons, who largely testified that they deferred to accountants and lawyers, Trump portrayed himself as an experienced businessman who "was certainly more expert than anybody else" when it came to the value of his own properties.
Asked about properties like 40 Wall Street and a retail space near Trump Tower, the former president confidently used real estate shorthand to explain why he thought certain properties were undervalued. He also repeated that his brand value -- which was not included in his financial statement -- is worth billions.
"The most valuable asset was the brand value," Trump said. "I became president because of my brand."
Trump fraud trial live updates: 'This is not a political rally,' judge warns
I need that puke emoticon back, pronto