New York (AP) —Donald Trump’s lawyer says a New York judge abused his discretion last month in a decision requiring him to answer questions under an oath in a civil investigation of his business practices.
In a document filed with the State Court of Appeals on Monday, Trump’s lawyer properly raised the constitutional and ethical concerns raised by Judge Arthur Engoron of Manhattan regarding the investigation of Attorney General of New York Letitia James. He said he could not be evaluated.
Trump and his two eldest sons, Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., have said that the state court’s appeals department will overturn Engoron’s February 17 ruling and invalidate James’ subpoena for testimony. I want it.
They elaborate on their discussions in a joint brief on page 72 on Monday, rehashing previous allegations that Democrat James had political revenge on Republican Trump and forcing Trump to testify. Are conducting criminal investigations in parallel, saying they would violate their constitutional rights.
Trump’s lawyer alleges that Engoron’s limitation of the scope of the two-hour trial before the decision was incorrect and did not have all the information needed to make a proper decision.
According to lawyers, Engoron will investigate the nature of the coordination between James’s office and the office of the Manhattan District Attorney conducting a criminal investigation, and whether James was engaged in selective prosecution. I refused the request of the meeting.
James issued a statement in response to Trump’s court submission on Monday.
“Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Ivanka Trump have been ordered by the judge to follow an investigation into the financial transactions between Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization,” said James.
“Despite ongoing efforts to thwart this investigation, no one can stop our pursuit of justice, no matter how powerful they are. We do the facts without fear or favor. I will keep track of you. “
Trump and the Attorney General of New York have agreed to suspend the execution of the subpoena during the appeal process. Court documents indicate that the Court of Appeals is likely to hear the discussion in May or June.
According to her research, James found that Trump’s company, The Trump Organization, received loan and tax incentives using a “fraudulent or misleading” assessment of assets such as golf courses and skyscrapers. Said that it was revealed.
If Engoron’s decision is upheld, Trump may be forced to make a tough decision on answering questions or staying silent, citing his fifth amendment to self-incrimination.