…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Former US President Donald Trump returned to New York City for the first time since his arrest and arraignment on charges of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.
This time, he arrived at his penthouse home in Trump Tower to attend a deposition for a business fraud case related to bank fraud.
New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, alleges that various Trump family members, including Ivanka, Don Jr., and Eric, misled banks and others by providing financial statements that intentionally misstated the value of his assets, including his golf clubs and hotels.
Her office is seeking $250 million in damages and a ban on Trump and his adult children from doing business in the state ever again.
Trump and his attorneys tried to get the James case dismissed, arguing that he was being “singled out and subject to selective treatment” by James.
However, the judge in the case denied his move and ordered it to trial.
Trump’s deposition is part of the process as lawyers review evidence, interview witnesses, and file motions.
Increased Security Measures
The New York Police Department spent hours reinforcing security around Trump Tower before his arrival, and there was a large police presence on Wednesday night.
Police were seen erecting barricades around the building in anticipation of his arrival.
His return to New York City last week created a chaotic atmosphere around the Criminal Court, with pro and anti-Trump factions represented.
Furthermore, the judge in charge of the hush-money case, New York Judge Juan Merchan, has had to increase his security after receiving a flurry of death threats following Trump’s targeting of him.
After leaving New York, Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago and delivered a speech attacking Merchan, James, and others, referring to James as a “racist in reverse” for pursuing fraud cases against his businesses.
Commentary
Trump’s return to New York City for a deposition in a business fraud case adds to the legal troubles he has faced since his presidency ended.
The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Trump family’s business dealings, particularly after years of speculation and allegations of financial misconduct.
The case also underscores the increasing political polarization in the country, with supporters and opponents of the former president clashing during his return to New York City.
It remains to be seen how the case will play out in court and what the implications may be for the Trump family’s business interests.