Trump lawyer said that Kevin Wallace, an attorney in James’ office, asked Trump about the valuations of various real estate assets, including golf clubs, his signing of documents in connection with mortgages and loans, and the size of his apartment. Fischetti described the mood in the room as polite and not tense.
Trump’s refusal to answer questions was legal, and had been anticipated in the judicial order mandating his attendance at the deposition. But it could harm his chances of prevailing against James in any civil litigation she files in connection with her probe.
James is focused on allegations that the Trump Organization improperly reported the stated valuations of some of its real estate assets for financial gain, in the form of better terms on loans and insurance, and tax benefits.