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On Friday, October 27, a New York judge ruled that Ivanka Trump must testify in the civil fraud case against her father, her brothers, and the family business.
Ivanka’s lawyers had argued against her testifying, citing her relocation to Florida and her departure from her Trump Organization position in 2017, followed by her role in the White House. They also sought to quash a subpoena for her testimony in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit against the former president, his sons Don Jr. and Eric, the Trump Organization, and certain executives.
Judge Arthur Engoron sided with the state, highlighting evidence of Ivanka Trump’s continued ties to businesses in New York and her ownership of Manhattan apartments.
Ivanka was formerly an executive at the Trump Organization, which faces allegations of inflating asset values fraudulently in financial statements provided to lenders and insurers.
She was removed as a defendant from the case in June when an appeals court determined that claims against her fell outside the statute of limitations.
Ivanka Trump’s attorney argued that the state had no legal basis for compelling her testimony, emphasizing that the jurisdiction did not extend to her.
Judge Engoron also rejected the request for Ivanka to provide a deposition in Florida instead of testifying in New York.
Donald Trump’s attorney, Chris Kise, described the subpoena as “continued harassment of President Trump’s children” and suggested that it was an attempt to create a media spectacle.
Both Donald Trump and his sons are expected to testify eventually. The former president briefly testified earlier in the week to address questions from Judge Engoron regarding an out-of-court comment.
Additionally, Judge Engoron upheld his ruling of a $10,000 fine against Donald Trump for violating a court gag order.
