Trump says he underwent fifth fraud investigation in New York

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday refused to answer questions from investigators in the New York Attorney General's Office. In a statement posted on his social networks after arriving for questioning, Trump described the investigation of New York Attorney General Letitia James, which he claimed was politically motivated, as "compelling and selfish."

"Therefore, on the advice of my attorney and for all the reasons set forth above, I am unable to answer questions concerning the rights and privileges accorded to all citizens under the United States Constitution."

Trump's attorney said he could invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer questions. In arguing to vacate the subpoena that led to Trump's deposition, they said the attorney general could give other law enforcement agencies a deposition. They said Trump could answer questions that could be used in parallel criminal investigations or lead prosecutors and grand juries to "draw adverse inferences." He said he would be forced to choose whether to take the fifth option. 

Trump attorney Ron Fischetti said in a January interview with CBS News that James' office "wanted him to testify under oath without immunity. So she turned his testimony over to the District Attorney and said, ``Here it is. A judge in a court of law sided with James and ruled that she was free to do what she wanted, including turning over the deposition to other law enforcement agencies.

James has been seeking depositions for more than six months as Trump and his two children, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, fought over subpoenas through three courts in New York. Finally orders were placed to take depositionsand earlier this month Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump were interrogated.

The subpoenas "testimony and documents related to the investigation into the valuation of Donald J. Trump or property owned or controlled by Trump." or any other matter the Attorney General deems appropriate.

Attorneys from James' firm said in court that their investigation found Trump and his company using "fraudulent and misleading financial statements" to extend loans while inflating asset valuations. He said he sought insurance coverage and gathered evidence that he had devalued the property. Value to reduce tax burden.

Trump and his company have repeatedly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

James' office attorneys indicated at multiple court hearings this spring and summer that the investigation was nearing conclusion.

Wednesday's deposition of the former president came amid mounting legal hazards. On Monday, the FBI broke into his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and tookboxes containing documents as part of an investigation into Trump's handling of classified material.2021 A federal grand jury investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riots is investigating communications between Trump's closest allies, and a Georgia judge said Tuesday Trump I have ordered Mr. Rudy Giuliani, the former personal attorney of Mr., to appear before a special grand jury there. 

Trump denies his wrongdoing in each of these matters.