NEW YORK CITY, April 29 (Reuters) – A New York judge said on Friday that Donald Trump, a man he described as perhaps the world’s most famous real estate developer, was unable to provide any documents sought. in the investigation of the Trump Organization, his family business.
Judge Arthur Engoren at the New York State Court in Manhattan said during a virtual hearing that he would continue to hold the former US president in contempt of court and fine him $ 10,000 a day despite a request from Trump’s lawyer to overturn and both commandments.
“He is Donald Trump, the most famous real estate builder in the world, without a doubt,” the judge said. “I am surprised that there do not seem to be any documents; all are from the organization.
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On Monday, Engoron issued orders for Trump’s failure to comply with a summons from New York Attorney General Leticia James for documents. On Wednesday, Trump signed an affidavit in which he said he did not believe he had any relevant documents, and if he did, Trump’s organization would have them.
On Friday, Engoron, who read Trump’s swearing-in testimony during the hearing, said the document bore “his inimitable signature” in what looked like Sharpie. But he said there were no useful details on where Trump kept his records.
To clear up the finding of disrespect, Trump will have to submit an affidavit swearing where his files are located, how they were stored and who had access to them, as well as whether he handed over his personal electronic search devices. and images, the judge said later in a written order.
During the hearing, Engoron turned to small pieces of paper with duct tape on one side, which Trump is known to use. “He is known for his stickers,” the judge said. “When he wants something done, he puts a label on something. I don’t think we’ve got any posts.”
Trump’s chief adviser, Alan Garten, testified as part of the Attorney General’s investigation that Trump used notes to communicate with officials, court records show.
But Trump’s lawyer, Alina Haba, said Trump did not have any posts.
“You can fine us for 10 months, but you will not receive more documents from Donald Trump,” said Haba. “He doesn’t have the documents you want.”
James says her investigation has already found evidence that the Trump Organization – which manages hotels, golf courses and other real estate around the world – has given banks and tax authorities misleading funding information to obtain financial benefits such as soft loans and tax relief.
Engoron said he would consider Habba’s request to suspend the fine. “But if you can’t hear me, the clock is still ticking,” he said.
A Republican, Trump denies violations and calls the investigation politically motivated. James is a Democrat. Haba said on Friday that he would continue to appeal both the contempt order and the fine following Engoron’s oral ruling.
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Report by Karen Freifeld and Luke Cohen in New York; Edited by Howard Goller and Daniel Wallis
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