The New York Attorney General was supposed to get records and testimony from the Trump family. They didn't. Donald Trump himself, Don Jr., and Ivanka are being investigated by investigators.
A document filed in New York state court Monday morning states that the three Trump family members are being added as "respondents" in an ongoing legal fight with New York Attorney General Leticia James.
The former president and two of his adult kids were subpoenaed by the AG for testimony and documents in connection with an investigation into the valuation of properties, but a dispute has arisen, according to the court filing. The state's top prosecutor wants them to cooperate.
The law enforcement agency didn't give a comment. The office of the former president did not.
Since taking office in January, James has fulfilled her campaign promise to scrutinize the Trump Organization's real estate valuations. The family persistently tried to reduce their tax bill by claiming favorable valuations for several properties, like an opulent forested estate and a golf course north of New York City. According to court records, the AG's investigators are looking into potential bank fraud.
Donald Trump led the firm with a tight grip until his children took control in the White House.
In September, the state judge overseeing the case gave Trump and his top lieutenants an ultimatum: comply with subpoenas or pay for a third party to do it for them. The court filing shows that Trump and his kids have resisted being personally examined.
Tensions flared last month when Trump personally sued the AG in federal court, using the lawsuit to attack the civil investigation as a political prosecution. A source familiar with the matter said that the AG's office sent subpoenas to the former president and his daughter in December in order to have them sit down for depositions.
Two lawyers representing the Trumps signed the document that will be filed in court to block the subpoenas. Ronald P. Fischetti is an attorney for the former president, and Alan S. Futerfas is a lawyer for the Trump Organization.
In the past, a different Trump family member tried to put up resistance. Eric Trump relented and sat down for a deposition in October 2020.
The AG and the Manhattan District Attorney are working together on a criminal investigation into tax fraud. An indictment was brought against the Trump Organization and its CFO, Allen Weisselberg. His trial is going to happen later this year.
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