Donald Trump will likely encounter his eldest daughter, Ivanka, when the trial over claims Trump inflated the wealth of his company to secure more favorable loans begins.
“The former president vowed to attend the court hearing to ‘fight for my name and reputation,’ after Ivanka Trump was listed as a witness in the New York Attorney General’s prosecution case, having previously been named as a co-defendant alongside Donald Trump, his adult sons, and various associates,” Newsweek reported.
If Ivanka Trump is serving as a witness in the case, it could indicate she is cooperating with prosecutors. Ivanka did not respond to questions about whether she had struck some sort of deal with prosecutors.
The Fraud Trial
It’s becoming difficult to keep track of the sprawling set of trials involving former President Trump. January 6th. Classified documents. Election interference. Hush money payments. The trial in question is a civil case against Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, in which New York Attorney General Leticia James is claiming that the Trump Organization fraudulently inflated its own value to secure more favorable loans and business deals. Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the case, ruled on Tuesday that Trump’s properties had indeed been overvalued for financial gain. The properties include his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida and a Trump Tower triplex in New York City.
“Donald Trump and his sons responded with incredulity to the ruling, which ordered that some of their business licenses in New York be rescinded over the years-long fraud and that the companies that own his properties should be handed over to independent receivers. Donald Trump’s lawyers have vowed to appeal the decision,” Newsweek reported.
Where Ivanka Trump Comes In
Ivanka Trump is the former executive vice president of the Trump Organization. Naturally, Ivanka’s was one of 28 names submitted to the Superior Court of New York County to be called as witnesses in James’s case.
Ivanka was not, however, declared a defendant in the case. Rather, Ivanka was simply listed as a witness – leading to speculation that she is cooperating with prosecutors.
“Perhaps Ivanka might be cooperating to some level,” Jamie White, a criminal defense attorney, said. “I don’t think it’s a frivolous subpoena. But we can’t rule out that Trump may have told his daughter: ‘Do what you’ve got to do.’”
White continued: “This is a unique turn of events, and as a general matter, we know experienced prosecutors do not bring people to be witnesses only for the purpose of having them take the 5th [Amendment].”
Ivanka (and her husband Jared Kushner) also served as senior advisors in Trump’s White House. The perception, at least amongst the media, was that Ivanka was Donald’s favorite offspring. What effect Ivanka testifying against her father, or their company, would have on the father-daughter relationship is unclear. Trump’s appreciation for personal loyalty is well documented; testifying in Court against Donald or his assets would, under normal circumstances, mean ex-communication from the former president. But Ivanka might earn some special leeway.
Regardless, it’s all speculation until Ivanka testifies.
Harrison Kass is the Senior Editor and opinion writer at 19FortyFive. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
From the Vault
‘He Should Quit’: Donald Trump Just Got Hit With A Devastating New Poll
