lack of cooperation
“You deny facts”: New York’s Attorney General demands punishment for Trump and his children
Ex-President Donald Trump (right) next to his children Eric Trump (left-right), Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump
© Evan Vucci / DPA
Donald Trump’s legal problems are growing. In an ongoing indictment, New York’s attorney general is now demanding sanctions against the ex-president and his children for lack of cooperation.
New York Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday asked a judge to sanction former US President Donald Trump, his adult children, the Trump Organization and their attorneys for responding to a $250 million civil fraud lawsuit against them . The lawsuit involves the valuation of assets in the Trump family’s real estate companies. In addition to the ex-president, his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, and his daughter Ivanka are also being sued.
Specifically, it is about annual information on the financial situation from 2011 to 2021. According to James’ allegations, the Trump family is said to have increased or decreased its finances as needed, for example to get easier access to loans or to pay less taxes. According to James, Deutsche Bank is also said to have granted such loans.
The court has already warned the Trump family – without success
In a letter to Judge Arthur Engoron, Letita James’ office said it was not satisfied with the responses the defendants had formally filed: “They deny facts they have admitted in other trials.” it about the former President and his children.
The family would deny matters clearly within their knowledge, using defenses “which have been repeatedly rejected by this court as frivolous and unfounded”. For example, Trump has denied serving as the “inactive president” of the Trump Organization during his time in the White House. He claimed exactly that in his own affidavit in another trial on October 18, 2021.
The court has already warned the accused and their lawyers, it is said, but has not exercised its discretion to impose sanctions. “It doesn’t look like that did anything.” No information was given in the letter about the amount of a possible fine.
Source: “Reuters“