New video obtained by CBS Information reveals former President Donald Trump repeatedly refusing to reply questions in a deposition final summer time for the New York lawyer basic’s investigation into fraud at his firm.
CBS Information launched clips and an outline of the hourslong footage on Tuesday after acquiring it by a Freedom of Info Act request. Although a transcript of the deposition had already been made obtainable, that is the primary time the general public can see parts of it on video.
Earlier than answering investigators’ questions, Trump is seen denouncing New York Legal professional Common Letitia James’ probe into his enterprise dealings ― which a month later resulted in a lawsuit in opposition to the previous president, three of his kids and the Trump Group for an alleged tax-dodging scheme.
“She is aware of nothing about us,” Trump says of James vowing to look into his actual property enterprise. “That is what she knew: completely nothing about us. It was very unfair. This entire factor may be very unfair.”
As soon as the questioning started, the 2024 presidential candidate went on to invoke his Fifth Modification rights greater than 440 occasions, information experiences on the time discovered. The video launched Tuesday reveals him defending that call.
“For those who’re harmless, why are you taking the Fifth Modification? I used to be asking that query,” he stated. “Now I do know the reply to that query. When your loved ones, your organization and all of the folks in your orbit have grow to be the targets of an unfounded, politically motivated witch hunt, supported by attorneys, prosecutors and even the faux information media, you actually don’t have any selection.”
“Anybody in my place not taking the Fifth Modification could be a idiot, an absolute idiot,” he continued.
Trump beforehand was extremely crucial of individuals pleading the Fifth and slammed it as a way for organized criminals.
“The mob takes the Fifth,” he stated in 2016. “For those who’re harmless, why are you taking the Fifth Modification?”