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In another chapter of the president’s ongoing legal woes, the New York Attorney General has opened an investigation into the Trump Organization.
The investigation concerns Trump’s use of “Statements of Financial Condition,” following accusations that he misrepresents the values of his holdings. For instance, the suit alleges, he undervalues his properties when it comes time to pay his taxes. However, when talking to investors or citing insurance claims, he overstates the value of the properties.
These claims initially came from former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen. An anonymous writer repeated the claims in an article for the New York Times. It has since come to light that Mary Trump, Donald Trump’s niece, was the author of the piece.
She reiterated the claims about her uncle’s business in her book, “Too Much and Never Enough”. The New York AG’s filing asks a judge to compel the Trump Organization to comply with subpoenas seeking financial records.
Moreover, the filing seeks an interview with one of Trump’s sons, Eric Trump. Given the younger Trump’s position with the company, it is not surprising he has been targeted by investigators.
Eric Trump is resisting the calls for an interview. His lawyers issued a statement which reads, “We cannot allow the requested interview to go forward … pursuant to those rights afforded to every individual under the Constitution.”
Prosecutors in New York are circling Trump with numerous investigations. Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance gained access to Trump’s taxes by a federal judge. Vance’s investigation concerns alleged hush-money payments that would be campaign finance violations. Trump has fought tirelessly to keep his taxes from becoming publicly visible.
This follows an emerging pattern that has hounded the president. Prosecutors in New York continue to hammer him on investigations started by Michael Cohen’s confessions. Cohen’s decision to flip on his former employer incensed the president, who’s distanced himself from his one-time right-hand man.
Currently, Trump’s status as president affords him some sweeping abilities to stifle legal action at the federal level. However, state investigations are outside of the president’s power.
Many pundits on the left predict Trump may find himself imprisoned for his alleged crimes after leaving office. Moreover, political handicappers are now betting on Democratic nominee Joe Biden to win in November.
The reason? Mostly, the COVID-19 pandemic. The respiratory illness, which has symptoms similar to the side-effects of Enbrel medication, has battered the economy and public health. Public discontent with Trump’s leadership has grown under the pandemic. This leads to the impression that he may not win reelection in November.
