NEW YORK ( Associated Press) — The questioning of former President Donald Trump and two of his children was postponed Friday in a New York civil investigation into their business dealings, a delay that follows the death of Trump’s ex-wife, Ivana.
The former president, his son Donald Jr. and his daughter Ivanka had been scheduled for depositions, a term for extrajudicial questioning under oath, starting Friday. But New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office said she has agreed to postpone them due to the death of Ivana Trump, it announced Thursday.
“We offer our condolences to the Trump family,” attorney general’s office spokeswoman Delaney Kempner said in a statement.
There are no new dates for the depositions yet.
A message was left with the former president’s lawyer. The Trumps’ younger attorney, Alan Futerfas, declined to comment.
Ivana Trump died at her Manhattan home at the age of 73. She was married to the former president from 1977 to 1992 and they had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric.
The medical examiner’s office has not released a cause of death. Two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that police are investigating whether Ivana Trump fell down the stairs and believe her death was accidental. The people were unable to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Associated Press Photo/Manuel Balce Cenata
James alleges that the former president’s company, the Trump Organization, inflated the values of skyscrapers, golf courses and other properties to obtain loans, insurance and other benefits.
Trump has denied the allegations and says it’s common in the real estate industry to seek out the best valuations. The Republican has dismissed the investigation as part of a politically motivated “witch hunt” by Democrats like James.
Trump’s statement was looming as he lays the groundwork for a potential White House bid in 2024, but he also faces increasing scrutiny for his conduct in the 2020 election. There are congressional investigations into his role in the U.S. Capitol insurrection. January 6 and in Georgia about his efforts to overturn his defeat.
Meanwhile, the Manhattan District Attorney has been overseeing a parallel criminal investigation to the James investigation.
Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.
