Ivanka Trump Takes the Stand in Real Estate Fraud Case
The Case Against Ivanka Trump Continues in Manhattan
Ivanka Trump recently arrived at the state Supreme Court building in Manhattan to face a group of protesters chanting “Crime family.” In court, she was questioned by prosecuting attorney Lou Solomon about her role in her father’s companies, real estate development, and securing financing.
During the questioning, Ivanka Trump claimed that she did not specifically remember any discussions about financial statements regarding her father’s financial dealings in the real estate sector and the loans he received from banks. She also denied the accusations against her father and argued that banks were always willing to work with Trump companies.
This trial, which began on October 2nd, is expected to continue until mid-December. Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the case, will decide on issues such as how much to fine Trump companies and whether their license to do business in New York state will be revoked. It is worth noting that this is a civil fraud case and not a criminal one, so imprisonment is not anticipated as a result of the trial.
Former President Trump has attended the hearings of this case, which has caused intense media interest as a “surprise development.” The case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump, his three children, and his company overstated their wealth by $3.6 billion. James has asked the judge to prevent Trump and his children from establishing a company in New York again, to ban them from purchasing commercial real estate for 5 years, and to impose a $250 million fine.
Judge Engoron has ruled that the charges of fraud against Trump and his company be heard in court, stating that they defrauded banks, insurers, and businesspeople by overvaluing their assets and exaggerating Trump’s net worth in agreements and financing documents. Trump’s lawyers have appealed to the New York court of appeals regarding this decision, requesting an evaluation of whether Judge Engoron “made legal and/or factual errors, abused his discretion and/or acted beyond his authority” in making his decision.
