Donald Trump Scheduled for Nov. 6 Testimony in Civil Fraud Lawsuit; Daughter Ivanka to Also Appear

Donald Trump is slated to give testimony on November 6 in a New York civil fraud lawsuit, joining his three oldest children on the witness stand in a legal action that has the potential to destabilize their family’s real estate business, according to state prosecutors.

It was previously anticipated that the former U.S. President, along with his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, would take the stand. Clarity on the timing emerged on Friday, when Judge Arthur Engoron mandated that Ivanka Trump, too, must testify, dismissing her efforts to evade the witness stand.

The judicial calendar marks a critical period in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. The allegations claim that the former President, who is also the current frontrunner for the Republican nomination in 2024, inflated his financial worth on statements submitted to financial institutions, insurance firms, and other parties for the purpose of securing loans and agreements.

Donald Trump has rejected the allegations, labeling the trial as driven by political bias. The litigation holds the potential to divest Trump of some of his key corporate assets and signature properties, including Trump Tower. Both James and Engoron are members of the Democratic Party.

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Despite protests from his legal team, the judge in the case reaffirmed a $10,000 fine imposed on Trump. The lawsuit defendants initially comprise Donald Trump and his two eldest sons, although the state prosecutors will call them to testify first before the defense has its turn. The defense has the option to recall them for testimony.

In an unexpected turn of events, Donald Trump briefly testified earlier this week to respond to Judge Engoron’s queries about an extrajudicial comment potentially aimed at his law clerk. The judge had previously prohibited trial participants from publicly discussing court personnel. Trump denied that his comment targeted the clerk, but Engoron deemed the testimony “not credible” and imposed a $10,000 fine, in addition to a previous $5,000 fine for an online comment regarding the clerk. Trump’s attorneys have paid both fines but may still file an appeal, as per Friday’s court documents.

The current testimony schedule indicates Donald Trump Jr. will appear next Wednesday, Eric Trump on Thursday, and Ivanka Trump on November 3, although her legal team may file an appeal to prevent her testimony. An appellate court previously removed her as a defendant in the lawsuit, stating that the charges against her were outdated. Ivanka Trump has distanced herself from the family business since her father’s presidency but still retains financial interests and property in New York.

Her attorney, Bennet Moskowitz, argued that the state lacks jurisdiction over her, a stance echoed by one of Donald Trump’s lawyers, Christopher Kise. Conversely, state prosecutors argue that Ivanka Trump was a significant participant in events pertinent to the lawsuit and remains financially and professionally connected to the family enterprise.

Judge Engoron concurred with the state’s position, citing documentation that establishes Ivanka Trump’s ongoing business affiliations in New York. During her tenure at the Trump Organization, she played a role in negotiating financing arrangements for several properties. Court documents also indicate that she continued to have a financial stake in the family business even after leaving to work at the White House, including interests in a now-sold Washington hotel.

According to federal disclosures made in 2021, Ivanka Trump reported earning $2.6 million from Trump-related entities, including revenue generated through a firm known as TTT Consulting LLC. Testimony from a company bookkeeper revealed that TTT was established to distribute a portion of licensing agreement fees to her and her brothers.

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News writer Michael R. Sisak.

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