Former President Trump and two family members will have to sit for the deposition requested by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Judge Arthur Engoron rejected an attempt to put the deposition on hold and ruled that Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Ivanka Trump must testify under oath. This ruling comes after December’s subpoena of the Trump organization, which court documents state will investigate Trump’s business practices and “the valuation of properties owned or controlled” by the organization.
Attorney General James claims in the lawsuit that Trump falsely valued items ranging from golf clubs to entire properties to gain tax benefits. After Monday, she gained additional ammunition when Trump’s accounting firm dropped him after labeling his financial reports as untrustworthy.
In late December, Trump and his attorney filed a lawsuit to stop the investigation led by Letitia James. Trump claimed that James violated the U.S. Constitution by involving personal interests as a reason for the subpoena.
“Law enforcement officials have a sacred duty to wield the state’s police power in a fair and impartial manner, without the slightest hint of favor, animus, or personal bias,” the preliminary statement of his suit read. “For this reason, it is particularly egregious when a prominent government official abandons this solemn oath in service of her own self-interests.”
On Thursday, Judge Engoron ruled that “Upon the foregoing documents, it is hereby ordered that the motion by respondents Donald J. Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Donald Trump Jr. to quash subpoenas issued by the petitioner is denied.”
In other words, Trump’s attempt to void the subpoena was blocked by Engoron, and the deposition will occur. Trump will likely appeal the case, but AP news reports that Trump has lost multiple cases of the same caliber, such as when a Manhattan prosecutor won access to Trump’s tax records.
Former President Trump will be given only 14 days to present the documents that James requested in her lawsuit. Within 21 days, Trump will have to sit for a deposition, in which he can either answer questions or plead the Fifth Amendment and remain silent.