Trump Pleads the Fifth
-
Trump said he pleaded the Fifth Amendment over 400 times in a New York civil investigation.
​
-
The case is about Trump allegedly inflating the value of his business assets.
​
-
“The mob takes the Fifth,” Trump previously said. “If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?”
​
-
The J6 Committee voted to subpoena Trump for his role in Capitol riots.
Former President Donald Trump invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during his deposition in a New York civil case about illegal business dealings.
The case stems from Trump allegedly inflating the value of his assets like golf courses and hotels when it has been financially beneficial, and deflating their value to avoid paying taxes, which is illegal.
Trump Said the 5th Implies Guilt
During a 2016 campaign rally in Iowa, Trump critiqued those who plead the Fifth Amendment. “You see the mob takes the Fifth,” he said. “If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?”
Under the advice of legal counsel, Trump is likely pleading the Fifth because lying under oath, even to defend himself as he has done previously in various public settings, could result in criminal charges.
Other Cases Against Trump
Various law enforcement agencies are in the process of investigating Trump for possible criminal offenses.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has been investigating Trump’s business activity for potential criminal behavior. Information from the civil case is likely to aid in the criminal investigation.
Also, the FBI executed a lawful search warrant at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida because Trump reportedly took official documents out of the White House when he left office.