Former U.S. President Donald Trump has returned to New York City for a deposition in a $250 million business fraud case, which he alleges misled banks and others by providing financial statements that misstated the value of his assets. The judge presiding over the case, Arthur Engoron, denied the former president's move and ordered it to trial.
Trump and his attorneys tried to get the James case dismissed, arguing that he was being "singled out" and subject to selective treatment by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The trial date for the case has been set for October 2nd.
The former president arrived in Manhattan on Thursday for a deposition before New York's attorney general, Letitia James. He announced his arrival through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
On Thursday, AG Letitia James will question Donald J. Trump under oath in a civil fraud lawsuit brought forth by her office accusing him of inflating the value of his business assets by billions of dollars. The lawsuit seeks $250 million it contends were reaped through these deceptions made in Mr. Trump’s annual financial statements and asks a judge to essentially run him out of business if found liable at trial.
Depositions are held privately; therefore, specifics regarding Mr.Trump's testimony on Thursday will not be immediately available publicly. If Mr.Trump decides to answer questions without providing much detail during this process, it may reflect legal calculations about differences between civil trials such as this one versus criminal trials.
The greatest risk facing Mr.Trump comes if he goes off script – an impulsive response could lead to adverse outcomes during intense questioning sessions with Ms.James' team.
Letitia James’ office is responsible for gathering former President Trump's testimony as part of their ongoing investigation into alleged civil-fraud within his businesses operations throughout New York state.