Topline
Multiple reports claim that former President Donald Trump's business venture is under investigation. The latest probe comes from the Westchester County District Attorney's Office in New York. This marks the third criminal investigation into Trump Organization by New York State prosecutors.
During an event featuring U.S....[+] mayors, Donald Trump spoke in the East Room at the White House on January 24, 2020. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The Key Facts
Mimi Rocah, Westchester County District Attorney (D), has reportedly asked for financial documents from Trump National Golf Club Westchester and the Town of Ossining which are responsible for setting property taxes. The investigation's purpose is not known at this time, but the New York Times reported that the DA is probing whether Trump Organization intentionally undervalued the club in order to reduce its property tax bill. After prosecutors claimed that the Trump Organization and its former Chief Financial Officer, Allen Weisselberg were involved in a tax fraud scheme over 15 years, the prosecutors in Manhattan indicted the Trump Organization. The scheme saw untaxed income funneled to its executives. New York State Attorney General Letitia James, (D), is also investigating similar tax fraud allegations against the Trump Organization. However, no charges have been filed. Trump has not been charged in any of these cases.
Surprising Fact
According to the Times, the golf club appealed its property taxes in each year since 2015. The town valued the property at $15million, but the club claimed that the property was only worth $1.4million.
Chief Critic
Trump has called the investigation into his businesses politically motivated. A spokesperson for Trump Organization stated Wednesday that a review of clubs' tax assessments was resolved with the town earlier in the year.
Important Quote
According to the spokesperson, any suggestion that something was inappropriate is false and irresponsible. The witch hunt continues. . . ?.
Important Background
Trump is facing another criminal investigation in Fulton County in Georgia for election tampering. This stems from a January 2 telephone call between Trump, Republican Georgia Secretary Brad Raffensperger. In which Trump instructed Raffensperger that he would find enough votes in order to overturn President Joe Biden's win in the state. Trump continues to make baseless claims about widespread fraud that prevented him from winning Georgia and other states in 2020's presidential election. Trump is also facing legal problems, in addition to the criminal probes. Trump recorded a taped deposition of four hours Monday in a case brought to his attention by a group Mexican protesters, who allege that they were attacked outside Trump Tower in 2015. Although Trump was not there, he was listed as a defendant in a case brought by a group of Mexican protesters who claim they were assaulted outside Trump Tower in 2015. He will also be deposed in another case against Summer Zervos. Summer Zervos is a former contestant of The Apprentice and claims that Trump sexually assaulted him in 2007. Trump is also facing civil lawsuits for election interference, sexual assault and his involvement in the storming the U.S. Capitol.
What to Watch
The trial of Weisselberg and Trump Organizations for tax fraud is expected start in late August or early September 2022. This coincides with a critical campaigning period before the 2022 midterm elections, in which Trump is expected be heavily involved.
Continue reading
Trump Organization is already under indictment and faces a new criminal inquiry (The New York Times).
According to Forbes, Trump Organization Indicted by N.Y. Grand Jury
Trump to be Deposed by Mexican Protesters Lawyers Monday (Forbes).
Trump's Business Could Be On Trial for Tax Charges Right Before the 2022 Elections (NPR).
