Former President Donald Trump's offspring, Don Jr., Eric, and Ivanka, are set to give testimony in a $250 million tax fraud trial at a Manhattan court this Wednesday, in their capacity as partners in the Trump Enterprises.
This is a civil case, so the Trumps won't face the possibility of imprisonment. Nevertheless, they may be hit with substantial fines and may be compelled to liquidate their renowned Trump Organization, according to media reports.
While the trio played prominent roles during Trump's presidential tenure, they've chosen a more low-key approach since the former president left the White House.
Now, all three of Donald Trump's adult children are under the spotlight as they prepare to take the witness stand at the Trump real estate fraud trial, as reported by USA Today.
The trial is expected to span over a week, during which Trump and his children will provide testimony in the New York civil case, defending themselves against accusations from New York Attorney General Letitia James (a Democrat) that they inflated property values to secure advantageous loans and lower insurance premiums.
The media has labeled the testimonies this week as a prelude of sorts. Next Monday, Trump himself is scheduled to testify. New York Attorney General Letitia James had issued subpoenas for Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump to provide insights into their business practices.
"As key figures in the Trump Organization, all three Trump children possess information that could illuminate the property valuations at the core of this case," explained Barb McQuade, a former federal prosecutor and law professor at the University of Michigan. McQuade pointed out that the children are called to testify not because of their relationship to Trump but due to their roles in the business.
Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, followed by Eric Trump. Ivanka Trump initially attempted to challenge her subpoena but is now slated to testify on November 8.
On that very day, her father will be hosting a political rally in Hialeah, Fla., opposing the third Republican presidential debate in Miami. The rally will take place just across the road from where the presidential hopefuls will be debating their campaigns. Trump had skipped three prior GOP debates, citing his significant lead in the polls during the primaries.
New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron had already ruled against Trump as early as late September, asserting that Trump had engaged in fraudulent activities by inflating financial statements submitted to banks and insurance companies. While some issues remain unresolved, a significant portion of the ongoing trial revolves around assessing financial damages. James is seeking $250 million in punitive damages from the Trump family, as well as a ban on the Trumps ever conducting business in New York state again.
(With Agency Inputs)
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