Ivanka Trump Ordered to Testify In-Person in Father's Civil Fraud Case by New York Judge

Ivanka Trump to Testify in Father's Civil Fraud Trial: A Comprehensive Overview

Judge's Ruling

Ivanka Trump has been mandated to testify in her father Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York. Judge Arthur Engoron, on Friday, 27 October 2023, rejected a motion from Ivanka's legal team to quash a subpoena, thus requiring her in-person appearance in court. Although the judge has allowed some time for an appeal, he emphasised that Ivanka Trump should testify in person rather than via sworn affidavits.

Contested Jurisdiction

Ivanka's legal team argued that she has not lived or worked in New York since 2017, and therefore, the court does not have jurisdiction over her. The judge dismissed this argument, stating that she has been conducting business in New York. The Trump attorneys accuse New York Attorney General Letitia James of aiming to create a "media circus" by subpoenaing Ivanka.

Previous Co-Defendant Status

Ivanka had originally been listed as a co-defendant in the lawsuit but was later removed by an appellate court. The court determined that the claims against her were time-barred, as she was not a part of an August 2021 agreement concerning the statute of limitations between the Attorney General’s office and the Trump Organization.

Ivanka in India: February, 2020.

Future Testimonies

Donald Trump’s other children, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, are expected to testify next week. The former President himself could be called in the week following that. The dates are not set in stone, and the witness schedule is subject to change.

The Crux of the Matter

The Attorney General’s case hinges on alleged fraudulent activities related to various projects, including a Deutsche Bank loan issued for the Old Post Office project in Washington, D.C. The legal team argues that Ivanka Trump was intimately involved in this project and thus has relevant information.

Differing Views

While the Trump family views the subpoena as "continued harassment," the Attorney General’s office maintains that Ivanka's involvement in the business projects makes her a crucial witness. The Judge asked the Attorney General’s lawyer to consider limiting the scope of Ivanka's questioning to the Old Post Office loan with Deutsche Bank.

Final Remarks

The developments point to a complex and intensely scrutinised legal proceeding, closely linked to one of America's most controversial families. As the case progresses, it is set to draw significant public and media interest. Regardless of one's personal views, the undeniable fact remains that the trial could have wide-ranging implications. Before concluding, it's worth reiterating that this is a civil fraud case, and therefore, no one, including Donald Trump, faces the prospect of jail time upon its conclusion.