Ivanka Trump Ordered to Testify in Person in Her Father’s NY Fraud Trial

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Former First Daughter Ivanka Trump has been ordered to appear in court to testify in the New York civil fraud trial of her father, former President Donald Trump.

According to ABC News, Judge Arthur Engoron stated from the bench on Friday “I want to see her in person. That is how we prefer testimony.” Ivanka Trump was not present, and her lawyer Bennet Moskowitz tried unsuccessfully to have her subpoena dismissed, arguing that the reasoning behind making her show up in person “falls on its face.”

Moskowitz argued that since Ivanka Trump has not worked nor lived in New York since 2017, having her appear in court was “a bridge too far.” But State Attorney Kevin Wallace said her position in the Trump Organization as well as her ownership of New York property makes the request legit. And Judge Engoron agreed, adding, “A trial is a search for the truth, and the law is entitled to every person’s evidence.”

Donald Trump was found liable for fraud surrounding his business activities in New York City and is currently on trial to determine the extent of his penalties. Trump’s two older sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were also found liable. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a $250,000 million fine and to bar Trump and his adult sons from doing business in New York state, which could effectively dissolve his company.

The elder Trump was recently slapped with a fine for violating a gag order imposed by Judge Engoron, whom he has repeatedly attacked on social media.