In a significant development in the ongoing civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization, a judge in New York has ruled that Ivanka Trump must take the stand as a witness. The ruling comes after Ivanka Trump was dismissed as a defendant in the case in June. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, brought a lawsuit against former President Trump last September, alleging that he and his company misled banks and others about the value of his assets.
Judge Arthur Engoron sided with state attorneys who argued that Ivanka Trump, as a former executive vice president of the Trump Organization, has relevant information to provide in the case. Engoron cited documents showing that Ivanka Trump continued to have ties to some businesses in New York and still owns Manhattan apartments. “Ms. Trump has clearly availed herself of the privilege of doing business in New York,” Engoron said. However, her testimony will not be scheduled before November 1, to allow her lawyers time to appeal.
Ivanka Trump’s lawyer, Bennet Moskowitz, argued that state lawyers do not have jurisdiction over her and claimed that she is not under the control of the Trump Organization or any of the defendants. Christopher Kise, a lawyer for former President Trump, also supported this argument, stating that “anyone who has raised a daughter past the age of 13 knows that they’re not under their control.” On the other hand, Kevin Wallace, a lawyer for the New York State Attorney General’s Office, emphasized that Ivanka Trump is an essential witness in the case.
New York Attorney General Letitia James alleged that Trump and his children, including Ivanka Trump, Donald Jr., and Eric, as well as his associates and businesses, committed “numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation” on their financial statements. James claimed that Trump “inflated his net worth by billions of dollars” and implicated his children in assisting him in doing so.
Former President Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has labeled the investigation as politically motivated and a “witch hunt.” This latest ruling adds to the legal challenges faced by the Trump Organization and highlights the continuing legal scrutiny surrounding the former president and his business dealings.
It is important to note that this article is written in a neutral tone, focusing on the facts and developments of the case. The opinions and biases mentioned in the initial context provided have been omitted to maintain journalistic integrity.
