Deposition video shows Trump sparring with state attorney – Spectrum News NY1
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In the civil fraud trial that wrapped up last week, the state attorney general’s office argued that former President Donald Trump misrepresented the value of his assets to bank and insurers.
But when he sat for a deposition last April, Trump insisted he’d undervalued properties like the Mar-a-Lago and Doral resorts in Florida, which he compared to works of art. And the valuations, he said, didn’t reflect the added worth of his name.
“It’s a painting,” he said in the newly released tapes. “They’re the Mona Lisas, they’re the Renoirs of property. Many of my properties.”
He added: “I became president because of the brand, OK? I became president. I think it’s the hottest brand in the world.”
Trump gave long, meandering and often repetitive answers, sometimes frustrating his questioner, Kevin Wallace of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office.
In explaining why he divorced his business interests from his role as president, he veered into politics.
“I think you would’ve had nuclear holocaust if I didn’t deal with North Korea,” he said. “I think you would’ve had a nuclear war if I weren’t elected. And I think you might have a nuclear war now, if you want to know the truth.”
Wallace tried to interject: “I’m not going to use my seven hours on nuclear war.”
More than once, Trump offered mini-lessons on golf in describing the appeal of his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
“They had four British Opens there at Turnberry,” he said. “And they had what is considered to this day, the Duel in the Sun, the greatest tournament ever played. I don’t know if you know golf.”
And as always, Trump framed himself as a victim being unfairly persecuted by James.
“It’s a shame that somebody that’s done such a good job, the convention center in New York, so many things I did for this city — the job on the west side of Manhattan, thousands of people employed,” he said. “And now I have to come and justify myself to you.”
At one point, Wallace appeals to Trump’s attorney Chris Kise.
“Chris, we’re going to be here until midnight if your client answers every question with an eight-minute speech.”
Later, Trump said: “I think you should release me from this case. This is ridiculous.”
James is seeking a $370 million payment from the Trump Organization. She also wants Trump permanently barred from doing business in New York.
The judge’s ruling is expected in the coming weeks.