In a non-jury civil trial against her family and the Trump Organization, Ivanka Trump testified on Wednesday that she had no involvement in the creation or discussions regarding her father’s statements of financial condition. The trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that former President Donald Trump defrauded banks and inflated the value of his assets with the help of his children.
During her testimony, Ivanka Trump, who was an executive vice president at the Trump Organization, stated that she did not recall any specific discussions about financial statements. She also emphasized that she had no role in general accounting deficiencies. Ivanka Trump left her position at the Trump Organization in 2017, citing her father’s election as the reason for her departure. During her time at the White House, she focused on issues such as women’s economic empowerment, job creation, and workforce development.
The trial also saw testimonies from Ivanka Trump’s brothers, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, both of whom denied involvement in the creation of financial statements and maintained that the Trump family did nothing wrong. A New York Appeals Court had previously dismissed Ivanka Trump as a defendant in the lawsuit and limited the statute of limitations.
Former President Trump, who took questions on the stand for hours on Monday, demanded a jury and criticized the trial as “election interference.” He maintained that his net worth was greater than what was reflected in his financial statements. Trump described the trial as a “disgrace” and accused James of targeting him for political reasons.
While Ivanka Trump’s testimony concluded the state’s case, both the state and the defense are expected to present motions on Thursday. The defense is set to begin presenting its case on Monday. The trial has garnered significant attention, with Trump’s attorneys stating that they have never had a witness testify better in their 33 years of experience.
Judge Arthur Engoron previously ruled that Trump and the Trump Organization committed fraud by overvaluing assets and exaggerating net worth. Trump’s defense attorneys are considering a motion for a mistrial.
The trial serves as another chapter in the legal battles faced by the Trump family. While the former president has denied any wrongdoing, the outcome of this trial will have implications for the Trump Organization and its reputation. The case also highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Trump family’s financial dealings.
