On April 13, 2023, the bustling streets of New York City witnessed the dramatic return of former President Donald Trump as he attended a deposition in connection with the business fraud lawsuit initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The legal battle has been escalating since September 2022, with allegations suggesting that Trump and his children, Donald, Jr., Eric and Ivanka, engaged in fraudulent practices to secure loans and tax benefits. If found guilty, they could face up to $250 million in damages and a ban from conducting business in New York State.
Upon arriving at Trump Tower, the former president greeted crowds with a brief wave before entering the building. Never one to shy away from controversy, Trump turned to social media to criticize Attorney General James, labeling her as “racist” and posting that she is “TRUMP HATING.” He proudly highlighted his company’s accomplishments, expressing his frustration at having to defend his innocence against someone he referred to as a “LOWLIFE.” The presiding judge in the case was not spared from Trump’s insults.
Behind the closed doors of the Manhattan Supreme Court, Trump faced hours of rigorous questioning under oath from Attorney General James’ legal team. The deposition marked a critical phase in the discovery process, as the prosecution seeks to build a strong case against the Trump family.
At the heart of the lawsuit are allegations of fraudulent activities, including the creation of false financial statements for personal gain, misuse of Trump Organization assets, and manipulation of property valuations to obtain loans and insurance coverage. If convicted, the Trump family could face restitution, damages, and penalties, as well as a ban on conducting business in New York.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, Trump’s supporters assembled outside the court, expressing their unwavering loyalty through chants and placards. Trump maintains his innocence, accusing James and her team of pursuing a politically motivated witch hunt.
This deposition represents just one of the many legal hurdles facing Trump. With a growing number of criminal investigations and civil lawsuits looming, the former president’s path forward appears increasingly fraught with challenges.