Former President Donald Trump is expected to return to New York City this week for a deposition in a $250 million state civil case over financial records, where he will face questions regarding alleged fraud within his businesses. Unlike previous legal challenges, this lawsuit does not involve criminal charges against the former president.
The lawsuit, led by Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump, along with his children and the Trump Organization defrauded lenders and insurers among other business entities. The defendants are accused of purposely misleading these parties about the value of their assets in order to secure favorable rates.
Trump was previously deposed in August last year; however, during that session he asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 400 times when asked about various topics including property valuations and loans. It remains unclear whether he plans to cooperate during this week's deposition or continue asserting his Fifth Amendment rights.
Despite refusing to answer many questions last time around, Trump praised how "very professional" James' team handled their meeting. Both the former president and his family have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to these allegations and have labeled James's inquiry as a "witch hunt." They cite her campaign trail statements promising an investigation into him as evidence of her bias.
This upcoming deposition is set for Thursday with the trial beginning at month-end on another separate lawsuit involving writer E. Jean Carroll who has accused Trump of raping her in the mid-1990s. With both cases gaining attention across America, it seems that legal troubles continue for Mr.Trump despite leaving office over a year ago.