Investigators probing President
Manhattan District Attorney
That information could help Vance support allegations that Trump’s company used accounting gimmicks to overstate the value of its assets when applying for loans and underplay it to reduce its tax bills, according to the people, who asked not to be named because the matter is private.
Charges aren’t imminent as Trump departs Washington. But losing the election in November meant Trump also will lose what presidential protections he had when he’s replaced by
No Sweeping Immunity
Trump invoked that longstanding Justice Department policy to fight Vance’s request for the tax records. In July, the Supreme Court rejected the president’s bid for sweeping immunity but left open the possibility that he could make more specific objections. Lower courts have since rejected Trump’s arguments that the subpoena is overly broad and was issued in bad faith, and the matter is once again before the Supreme Court.
A spokesman for Vance’s office declined to comment on what it was looking at, but the Manhattan prosecutor sketched a possible outline for his investigation in a court filing in September.
In that filing, a response to Trump’s complaint that the subpoena amounted to a “fishing expedition,” Vance cited a range of alleged financial misrepresentations by the
Vance isn’t the only one who wants the tax returns. Trump has also been trying to stave off House Democrats who sought them after taking power two years ago. That fight
Forging Ahead
The Supreme Court, without explanation, has deferred action for the past three months on Trump’s bid to block Vance’s subpoena. The delay has kept the document demand on hold because Vance agreed in October not to enforce the subpoena while the Supreme Court considered Trump’s request.
Should the court reject Trump, Vance would be free to insist that Mazars turn over the information. Mazars has said it will comply with its legal obligations.
Even as the battle has worn on, Vance’s office has made significant progress in its investigation, including interviewing people who worked with the Trump Organization or are familiar with its business practices.
The office has spoken with
Significance of FTI
Vance’s decision to hire financial consulting firm
In a high-profile case such as this, FTI can guide Vance’s investigators through a company’s statements and explain any nuances that might justify -- or undermine -- the company’s claims. If prosecutors do file charges against the Trump Organization or individual officers, an FTI representative could serve as an expert witness in court.
The Supreme Court case isn’t the only issue hanging over the DA’s investigation. Vance is in the last year of his current four-year term, but so far hasn’t declared whether he will run for re-election in the Democratic primary, which will be held in June. Several other candidates have said they would challenge him.
While Vance’s office is staffed with career professionals who would proceed with any case launched this year no matter who is DA next January, the Trump Organization probe is being guided by his general counsel, Carey Dunne. Vance recruited Dunne from the law firm of
(Updates with legal fight with congressional Democrats in second section.)
--With assistance from
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Peter Jeffrey
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