In a significant legal development, Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former US President Donald Trump, has been ordered to testify in the ongoing civil fraud case against her father, her brothers, and the Trump family business. The ruling came from Judge Arthur Engoron, as reported by NBC News, setting a witness date no earlier than November 1. This decision allows Ivanka time to appeal the ruling, should she choose to do so.
1. Background of the Case
The civil fraud case revolves around allegations of financial misconduct by Donald Trump and his family business. The case was initiated by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James and focuses on determining the extent of financial penalties owed by the Trumps. It stems from accusations that the former US president's assets were inflated by billions of dollars in an attempt to secure more favorable loan and insurance terms, as reported by Reuters.
2. Key Allegations
The allegations include inflating assets by as much as $1.9 billion to $3.6 billion annually between 2011 and 2021, which could have resulted in substantial savings on loans and insurance premiums. The prosecution claims that incorrect property size figures and unrealistic assumptions about development potential were used to arrive at these inflated values.
3. Seeking Penalties and Restrictions
New York Attorney General Letitia James is pursuing a substantial penalty of at least $250 million. In addition, the prosecution aims to impose a ban against Donald Trump and his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, preventing them from running businesses in New York. Furthermore, a five-year commercial real estate ban against both Donald Trump and the Trump Organization is being sought.
4. Ivanka Trump's Involvement
Ivanka Trump, initially dismissed as a defendant in the case several months ago, has now been compelled to testify. Defense attorneys and her legal counsel had argued that she should not be required to testify, citing her relocation out of New York and her departure from the Trump Organization in 2017.
State lawyers, however, maintained that Ivanka Trump possesses pertinent information and remains financially and professionally connected to the family business and its leadership. During the hearing, Kevin Wallace, a lawyer for the attorney general's office, asserted, "She is 100% someone who can come in and testify."
5. Judge Engoron's Ruling
Judge Arthur Engoron ultimately ruled in favor of the state, emphasizing that documents showed Ivanka Trump's continued ties to certain businesses in New York, as well as her ownership of Manhattan apartments. He stated, "Ms. Trump has clearly availed herself of the privilege of doing business in New York."
6. Challenges Ahead
In response to the ruling, Ivanka Trump's lawyer, Bennet Moskowitz, argued that state lawyers lacked jurisdiction over her. This decision sets the stage for Ivanka Trump's testimony, which could provide valuable insights into the complex legal battle surrounding the Trump family's financial dealings.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Trump family civil fraud case remains a focal point, casting light on the legal challenges faced by one of the most prominent political families in the United States.
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