Former US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he refused to answer questions during an appearance before the New York State Attorney General in a civil investigation into his family’s business practices.
“I have declined to answer questions about the rights and privileges afforded to all citizens under the United States Constitution,” Trump said in a statement.
The Fifth Amendment protects against selfincrimination.
2 of 5 Former US President Donald Trump tosses hats to supporters at an event in the state of Wisconsin — Photo: Morry Gash/AP
Former US President Donald Trump tosses hats to supporters at an event in the state of Wisconsin (Photo: Morry Gash/AP)
New York State Attorney General Letitia James is investigating whether the Trump Organization inflated property values. Trump and two of his adult children, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, struggled to avoid testifying but lost.
The prosecutor said her investigation found substantial evidence that the Trump Organization, which manages hotels, golf courses and other properties, overstated assets to obtain cheap credit and understated values to obtain tax breaks .
Trump, a Republican, has denied wrongdoing and called the New York investigation politically motivated. Jacob is a Democrat.
3 of 5 Former US President Donald Trump during a celebration at his home in MaraLago on December 21, 2016 — Photo: Carlos Barria/Portal
Former US President Donald Trump during a celebration at his home in MaraLago on December 21, 2016 — Photo: Carlos Barria/Portal
“I once asked, ‘If you’re innocent, why do you accept the Fifth Amendment? They have become the target of a baseless, politically motivated witch hunt backed by lawyers, prosecutors and the fake news media. They have no choice.”
He added: “If I had any doubts, the FBI’s invasion of my home, MaraLago, on Monday, just two days prior to this statement, removed any uncertainty. the current government and many prosecutors This country has lost all moral and ethical boundaries of decency.”
The FBI searched Trump’s property in Florida on Monday, an escalation of the federal probe into whether he illegally removed White House records when he left office in January 2021.
4 of 5 police vehicles outside Donald Trump’s Florida home — Photo: Terry Renna/AP
Police vehicles in front of Donald Trump’s Florida home — Photo: Terry Renna/AP
A spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did a lawyer for Trump.
Trump raised his fist as he exited Trump Tower on Wednesday morning, wearing a blue suit with a flag pin on the lapel, before heading to the Attorney General’s office in Manhattan. New York police and Secret Service officials stood guard when the motorcade carrying Trump arrived.
5 of 5 Former US President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower in New York, USA — Photo: Portal
Former US President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower in New York, USA Photo: Portal
“I did nothing wrong which is why the federal, state and local governments and fake news media have found nothing after five years of searching,” Trump said in his statement. The testimony is not public.