In a major development in the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump, it has been revealed that an expert witness appointed by the defense was paid nearly $900,000 for his involvement in the case. The witness, New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov, confirmed that a part of the compensation came from Save America, the leadership political action committee (PAC) supporting Trump's anticipated 2024 presidential campaign, while the remainder was paid by the Trump Organization.

This disclosure came to light on Friday, as Bartov testified before the court. Despite the significant compensation received, Bartov emphatically stated that it did not influence his testimony, according to NBC News. The revelation sheds light on the amount of money being spent on Trump's legal battles, which span several states and involve civil and criminal litigation at various government levels.

It is not uncommon for parties involved in a lawsuit to pay experts for their involvement. However, attorneys representing the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who are prosecuting the $250 million fraud case in Manhattan Supreme Court, may use the payment to undermine Bartov's credibility as an expert witness.

During his testimony, Bartov revealed that he had logged approximately 650 billable hours at a rate of $1,350 per hour, resulting in total compensation of $877,500. This figure provides a glimpse into the extensive financial costs incurred by the defense team. Bartov also confirmed that he had received payments from both the Trump Organization and Save America, as previously disclosed in a deposition held in late July.

Former President Trump was present in court on Thursday for Bartov's initial testimony, and he is slated to take the stand himself as the final nonexpert witness for the defense on Tuesday.

The case brought by the New York Attorney General's office alleges that Trump, his two adult sons, the Trump Organization, and its top executives falsely inflated the values of their assets in crucial financial records.

This breaking news indicates the ongoing importance of financial disclosures and the legal battles surrounding former President Trump. Stay tuned for further updates on this case.