New video obtained by CBS News shows former President Donald Trump repeatedly refusing to answer questions in a deposition last summer for the New York attorney general’s investigation into fraud at his company.
CBS News released clips and a description of the hour-long footage on Tuesday after obtaining them through a Freedom of Information Act request. Although a transcript of the deposition was already available, this is the first time the public has been able to see portions of it on video.
Before answering questions from detectives, Trump is seen denouncing New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into his dealings, which a month later led to a lawsuit against the former president, three of his children and the Trump Organization for alleged tax evasion. system.
“He doesn’t know anything about us,” Trump says of James, who has promised to look into his real estate business. “Here’s what he knew: absolutely nothing about us. It was very unfair. This whole thing is very unfair.”
Once the questioning began, the 2024 presidential candidate proceeded to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights more than 440 times, according to news reports at the time. Video released Tuesday shows him defending the decision.
“If you’re innocent, why do you accept the Fifth Amendment? I asked that question,” he said. “Now I know the answer to that question. When your family, your company, and everyone in your orbit have become the target of a baseless, politically motivated witch hunt backed by lawyers, prosecutors, and even the fake news media, you have no choice.
“Anybody in my position who doesn’t accept the Fifth Amendment would be a fool, a real fool,” he continued.
Previously, Trump was very critical of people who support the fifth and considered it a technique for organized crime.
“The mob takes the fifth,” he said in 2016. “If you’re innocent, why do you take the fifth amendment?”
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