Ivanka Trump, the daughter and former executive vice president of former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the New York Attorney General’s civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization on Tuesday. Her testimony, which lasted for about seven hours, provided some key insights into her role in the company and her knowledge of the alleged fraudulent practices at issue in the case.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Ivanka Trump’s testimony:
Limited knowledge of financial statements: Ivanka Trump repeatedly claimed that she had limited knowledge of the financial statements prepared by the Trump Organization, which are at the heart of the New York AG’s case. She said that she did not have any involvement in the preparation of the statements and that she did not rely on them for any business purposes.
Distancing herself from decision-making: Ivanka Trump also sought to distance herself from major decision-making within the Trump Organization. She said that she did not have any authority to sign off on financial statements or to make decisions about the valuation of assets.
Limited recollection of key events: Ivanka Trump’s memory appeared to be selective at times. She was unable to recall many details about specific financial transactions or decisions. This led to repeated questioning from the New York AG’s lawyers, who accused her of being evasive or untruthful.
Potential liability for fraud: Despite her claims of limited knowledge and involvement, Ivanka Trump could still be held liable for fraud if the jury finds that she knowingly participated in the alleged scheme. The New York AG’s lawyers have presented evidence that she was aware of some of the alleged fraudulent practices, such as the inflated valuations of assets.
Implications for the Trump Organization: Ivanka Trump’s testimony could have significant implications for the Trump Organization, which is facing potential penalties of up to $250 million if convicted of fraud. Her claims of limited knowledge and involvement could undermine the company’s defense, and her potential liability for fraud could increase the company’s financial exposure.
Overall, Ivanka Trump’s testimony was a significant moment in the New York AG’s civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization. Her claims of limited knowledge and involvement could be helpful to the defense, but her potential liability for fraud could also be a major factor in the case. The jury will ultimately decide whether to believe Ivanka Trump’s testimony and whether to find the Trump Organization guilty of fraud.