- In the 2023 civil fraud trial, McConney was a co-defendant alongside Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Weisselberg. He broke down in tears, expressing frustration over legal scrutiny and defending his work, stating he “gave up” due to relentless investigations. He maintained that Trump’s asset valuations were justified, aligning with Trump’s defense.[](https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/21/politics/mcconney-trump-org-testimony-fraud-trial/index.html)[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-fraud-trial-jeffrey-mcconney-testimony/)[](https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4322871-former-trump-executive-breaks-down-at-fraud-trial/)
5. Personal and Professional Dynamics:
- McConney described the Trump Organization as a “family setting” and expressed pride in his 35-year tenure, indicating a personal attachment to Trump’s company. He testified that Trump “ran the organization” and was “the brains behind it,” underscoring Trump’s direct influence over operations McConney managed.[](https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-hush-money-trial-05-06-24/h_edf4601b97b54456caea6302d058d115)
- Despite his central role, McConney was often kept out of final discussions between Trump and Weisselberg, particularly on sensitive financial matters like tax filings, suggesting a structured hierarchy where Trump maintained control through Weisselberg.[](https://www.thedailybeast.com/jeff-mcconney-trumps-loyal-low-profile-money-man-who-could-bring-him-down/)
6. Post-Employment Relationship:
- After retiring in February 2023, McConney received $500,000 in severance payments from the Trump Organization. He testified in 2024 that he had not spoken to Trump since leaving, suggesting their direct connection ended with his departure.[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/tears-trump-exec-testifies-gave-company-job-tired-105074704)[](https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-hush-money-trial-05-06-24/h_edf4601b97b54456caea6302d058d115)
### Critical Notes:
- McConney’s testimony often portrayed him as following orders from Weisselberg rather than Trump directly, which aligns with the defense’s strategy to distance Trump from financial misconduct. However, his admissions about Trump’s final review of financial statements and check-signing in the hush money case suggest Trump’s active involvement.
- McConney’s emotional defense of his work and loyalty to Trump may indicate a personal allegiance, but his immunity deals and admissions of illegal activity (e.g., tax fraud) reveal a willingness to cooperate with prosecutors when protected, potentially implicating Trump indirectly.
- The sources reflect establishment media narratives, which may emphasize Trump’s culpability. McConney’s perspective, as a loyal employee, suggests he believed the company’s practices were defensible, though legal outcomes (convictions, fraud rulings) challenge this view.
If you need further details or specific aspects of their relationship, let me know!