Appeals Court Rejects Ivanka Trump’s Request to Avoid Testifying in New York Civil Case

A New York court has denied Ivanka Trump’s appeal of an order that forces her to testify in the civil case against her father, former President Donald Trump, and brothers.

The decision by the appeals court late Thursday means Ms. Trump is scheduled to appear in the Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday.

Her brothers, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, testified in recent days and the former president is scheduled to take the stand early next week.

New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges the Trump Organization submitted fraudulent financial statements to gain favorable terms on loans and insurance.

Ms. Trump is not a defendant in the suit but Judge Arthur Engoron ruled her testimony could be relevant due to past business in New York.

Her attorneys had argued that midweek testimony in Manhattan posed a hardship, according to CNN.

“Ms. Trump, who resides in Florida with her three minor children, will suffer undue hardship if a stay is denied and she is required to testify at trial in New York in the middle of a school week, in a case she has already been dismissed from, before her appeal is heard,” her attorney said in an appeal of Judge Engoron’s order.

Ms. Trump’s brothers in recent days testified they relied on accountants and legal advisers to prepare financial statements before they signed off on them.

Their father, the 2024 GOP front-runner for president, says if anything, his properties were often undervalued and he hasn’t done anything wrong.

Ms. James says she is making a convincing case.

Judge Engoron, and not a jury, will decide whether Mr. Trump and his sons are liable on various claims and what penalty is necessary.

Even before the trial, Judge Engoron found the Trumps liable on one of Ms. James’ claims.

“Next week, Donald Trump himself will take the stand,” Ms. James said in a social media video. “And while I am sure he will try to hide his wrongdoing behind taunts, threats and name-calling, we will not be bullied out of uncovering the truth.”