Eric Trump can’t duck fam biz quiz
Elex no excuse, must face Tish by Oct. 7: judge
Daddy’s presidential race can’t prevent Eric Trump from being questioned under oath by state Attorney General Letitia James.
A Manhattan Supreme Court judge rejected a request from Eric Trump on Wednesday to postpone his deposition until after the election in a probe of the Trump Organization’s financial dealings.
Justice Arthur Engoron said Eric Trump’s justification for the delay was “unpersuasive” and noted that the attorney general and the court were not “bound by timelines of the national election.” He ordered Eric Trump sit for questioning by Oct. 7.
The younger Trump fired back, accusing James of having it out for the president, but saying he’d show up for questioning.
“The New York attorney general has called my father an ‘illegitimate’ president and pledged to take him down while she was running for office,” he said. “Her actions since demonstrate a continued political vendetta and attempt to interfere with the upcoming election. That said, since I previously agreed to appear for an interview, I will do so as scheduled.”
James’ broad investigation is examining whether President Trump’s company broke the law by inflating the value of properties to obtain tax breaks and other financial benefits.
The AG opened the probe after Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, said the president routinely manipulated financial statements to make himself appear wealthy and avoid taxes.
James seeks to question Eric Trump because he heads a corporate entity that owns Trump properties at the center of the investigation. t
James served Eric Trump with a subpoena in May. He agreed to sit down for questioning — but then backed out. Eric Trump subsequently requested he be questioned after the election, saying he was on the campaign trail for his dad nearly every day.
Eric Trump’s attorney did not n respond to an inquiry.
“Justice and the rule of law prevailed today,” James said. “We will immediately move to ensure that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization comply with the court’s order and submit financial records related to our investigation. g Further, Eric Trump will w no longer be able to delay his interview and will be sitting down with investigators in my office no later than Oct. 7.
“To be clear, no entity or individual is allowed to dictate how or when our investigation will proceed or set the parameters of a lawful investigation. The court’s order today makes clear that no one is above the law, not even an organization or an individual with the name Trump.”