Judge Rules Donald Trump and Children Ivanka Trump, Donald Jr. to Testify About Trump Organization's Practices

A New York judge has ruled against former President Donald Trump and his children Ivanka Trump and Donald Jr., ordering them to answer questions under oath about the business practices of the Trump Organization.

Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron has given the go signal for the three to be deposed within the next three weeks, according to an NBC News report. In addition, Engoron had ordered Trump to submit documents and information that had been subpoenaed within two weeks.

Lawyers for Trump and his children had moved to quell the subpoenas issued by Attorney General Letitia James' office. The Trumps argued that James' investigation is a political ploy against them.

However, the judge wrote in his eight-page ruling that James has the clear right to prove the business entity, which uncovers "copious evidence of possible financial fraud."

Lawyers for Trump argued that James wants to question Trump, Ivanka, and Donald Jr. for improperly gathering evidence in a related criminal investigation by the Manhattan district attorney's office.

Judge's Decision on Trump Organization Probe

Meanwhile, James celebrated the ruling, saying that no one will be allowed to "stand in the way of the pursuit of justice, no matter how powerful they are," according to The Guardian report.

Trump must now testify within 21 days and hand over the ordered documents and information within 14 days under Engoron's ruling.

The judge then said during a two-hour hearing that if James had not subpoenaed the Trumps, it would have been a "blatant dereliction of duty."

Engoron said that the Trumps would be able to invoke their Fifth Amendment rights during their deposition if they are worried about self-incrimination.

Lawyers for Trump argued that the former president could not possibly plead the Fifth Amendment without affecting his possible criminal defense.

The former president's lawyer, Ron Fischetti, said the case is "special" being him a former president of the U.S.

The judge then said that "to me, he's a citizen."

James' inquiry is civil, meaning that she cannot bring criminal charges. However, if she finds evidence of wrongdoing, she can file a lawsuit against Trump, his company, and others involved in the business.

James released a letter on Monday, wherein long-time Trump accountant, Mazars USA, declared that financial statements from 2011-2022 were not reliable.

The criminal investigation focuses on whether Trump used those statements, which Mazars USA described as unreliable, to mislead lenders about the value of his hotels, golf clubs, and other properties.

Donald Trump and Children Ivanka, Donald Jr.

Meanwhile, Michael Cohen has claimed that Trump told him that if one of his children had to go to jail, it had to be Donald Jr. instead of Ivanka.

Cohen is the former fixer and personal attorney to Trump, saying that the former president requested Cohen to ensure that the eldest son took the blame if the family business faced a legal action against them, according to an Independent report.

Cohen said that Trump told him Donald Jr. would be able "to handle it."

The former Trump attorney also noted that there was "not a chance" that Trump would step in to protect either of his children from the investigations.

Cohen said that "Donald cares only about Donald."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Judge Rules Trump, Children Must Sit For Deposition In Civil Case Involving Business Practices - from NBC News