Ivanka Trump’s anticipated testimony in her father’s New York civil fraud trial has encountered a scheduling shift, with the judge, Arthur Engoron, announcing a delay until next week to allow for a thorough examination.
Originally set for a half-day session on Friday, it’s now expected to span a full day, if not longer, reflecting the significance of her insights into the allegations against the Trump family.
Judge Engoron, who recently denied Ivanka’s attempt to avoid testifying, revealed that she is now slated to appear on November 8.
This adjustment places her testimony at the conclusion of a pivotal phase in a case that poses a substantial threat to the Trump family’s real estate empire.
“I think we’re all OK with Ivanka on Wednesday the 8th,” Engoron said in court.
The trial, initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James last year, accuses Donald Trump, his company, and top executives, including Ivanka’s brothers Eric and Donald Jr., of conspiring to exaggerate Trump’s wealth in financial statements. These allegedly inflated figures were purportedly used to secure loans and negotiate deals.
Ivanka Trump, once listed as a defendant, was dismissed from the case in June by an appeals court citing the age of claims against her. Her father and co-defendants maintain their innocence, with Donald Trump denouncing the trial as a politically motivated sham. The potential consequences include the removal of corporate holdings and iconic properties like Trump Tower.
Originally positioned to precede her father on the witness stand, Ivanka Trump is now scheduled as the final witness summoned by James’ legal team.
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are expected to testify on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, with Donald Trump taking the stand on November 6.
Following Ivanka’s testimony, the defense will present its witnesses, with Trump’s lawyers listing 127 names on the witness list submitted before the trial began on October 2. Some witnesses may overlap, adding complexity to the proceedings.
Ivanka Trump, who left her role as an executive vice president at the Trump Organization in 2017 to serve as an unpaid adviser in her father’s administration, had resisted a subpoena, arguing that the state failed to properly serve her.
Her lawyer, Bennet Moskowitz, contended that she shouldn’t be compelled to testify as she is not a party to the case and no longer resides in New York and that state lawyers “just don’t have jurisdiction over her.”
In addition, Donald Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, argued that state lawyers “just want another free-for-all on another of President Trump’s children.”
Despite these arguments, Judge Engoron ordered her to testify, emphasizing her continued business ties to New York.
“Ms. Trump has clearly availed herself of the privilege of doing business in New York,” he said.
Court filings reveal her role in deals such as a Washington hotel lease and loan, loans for a Doral, Florida, golf resort, and a Chicago hotel and condo skyscraper.
