On August 24, the New York state Attorney General, Letitia James, filed court documents to compel Eric Trump to sit for a deposition as part of the state's investigation into illegal activities by the Trump Organization. Eric Trump holds the title of executive vice president of development and acquisitions of the Trump Organization.
The Trump Organization is being investigated for having "improperly inflated the value of Mr. Trump's assets on financial statements in order to secure loans and obtain economic and tax benefits." In that August court filing, James' office said Eric Trump agreed to be deposed on July 22, then canceled last minute, "balking less than two days before he was scheduled by agreement to give testimony."
On Thursday, September 17, Trump's lawyers told the court overseeing the filing that Trump would once again agree to give a deposition, but only after the election in November.
Eric Trump's attorneys say he is unable to cooperate until after the election due to his "extreme travel schedule and related unavailability" and "to avoid the use of his deposition attendance for political purposes." https://t.co/y4qe5gnIL1
— Mother Jones (@MotherJones) September 18, 2020
Eric Trump has proposed dates to sit for an interview with the New York attorney general's office for its investigation into the Trump Organization — after the election, according to a new court filing, per @KaraScannell.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) September 17, 2020
Yes, yes, of course, in much the same way his dad released his tax returns right after the election
Lordy, Eric Trump isn't even *good* at defrauding people https://t.co/kHEPh2P6tB
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) September 17, 2020
In response, James told CNBC:
"[W]hile we cannot comment on the particular steps we're taking on specific litigation, we won't allow any entity or individual to dictate how our investigation will proceed or allow anyone to evade a lawful subpoena."
"No one is above the law, period."
That sentiment echoes the August court filing, which stated:
"[The Trump Organization] refused entirely to comply with a subpoena for Eric Trump's testimony."
"Eric Trump's categorical refusal to appear is unlawful, and he should be compelled to testify."
People agreed that no one, even the son of the President, is above the law.
He thinks he's above the law. I wonder where he learned that
— Virginia Bourne (@Southviabirth) September 18, 2020
He's hoping daddy will occupy the WH so he can be pardoned for any crimes. They should tell him NO, and get him in.
— A Girl Veteran that Has No Name 🌊🌊🌊 (@MontanaK8ie) September 18, 2020
Every single person charged in NY should use these exact words for the rest of the Trump presidency for why they can't show up. If it works for the rich white male, it should work for everyone.
— Karen Pearce (@FairMountain) September 18, 2020
I'm not fluent in criminal, but I'm pretty sure Eric Trump saying he's willing to be interviewed by the New York AG's office but not until after election, directly translates to: “I'M A FLIGHT RISK!"
— Ida Skibenes ❄️ (@ida_skibenes) September 17, 2020
Eric is not the president, he is a civilian and not above the law. Get his to court!
— sbc (@SYLSBC) September 18, 2020
.. @EricTrump has an attorney?! . . . pic.twitter.com/hjniVO0xzz
— Yor ♥ Ayl (@JoR3LofKrypton) September 18, 2020
Why is Eric Trump refusing to meet with the NY Attorney General's office until after the election?
— A Worried Citizen (@ThePubliusUSA) September 17, 2020
Translation: "I'm fully guilty as sin. But you can't use this against me until after the election. Where I'll say you can't prosecute."
— Kevin Bryant (@kr_bryant) September 18, 2020
what is his government job? does he even have a job??
— Mary Poppinz (@marysupoppinz) September 18, 2020
He's not supposed to be involved in politics as all, so there's that. He's supposed to be running the business.
— CountryOverConman (@TrumpNewsPolls) September 18, 2020
That lame excuse should be rejected. If he doesn't turn up in court when he should be, he should be arrested for contempt of court.
— Chris (@chris02178) September 18, 2020
Right?! Are we all allowed to be like “f$ck it, I don't feel like going to court today"?
— Jen A (@jenkk25) September 18, 2020
Eric Trump holds no official position in the federal government.
The lawyers for Trump claim they are willing to comply with the subpoena, but only if the NY AG vows it:
"has not provided, and will not provide any materials, information or transcripts developed or collected in the course of its investigation to any other law enforcement authority, agency or regulator."
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
@TimmyFiveTimes/X
