Former US President Donald Trump and two of his children were suspended on Friday in a New York political investigation into their business dealings, a delay that followed the death of Trump’s ex-wife Ivana. The former president, son Donald Jr. and daughter Ivanka were scheduled for depositions — a term for out-of-court questioning under oath — beginning Friday. However, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office said they agreed to postpone them because of Ivana Trump’s death, as announced Thursday. “We offer our condolences to the Trump family,” attorney general’s office spokesman Delaney Kebner said in a statement. There are no new filing dates yet. A message was left with the former president’s lawyer. The Trumps’ youngest lawyer, Alan Futerfas, declined to comment. Ivana Trump died at her home in Manhattan at the age of 73. She was married to the former president from 1977 to 1992 and they had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric. The medical examiner’s office has not released a cause of death. Two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that police are investigating whether Ivana Trump fell down the stairs and believe her death was accidental. The people could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. James alleges that the former president’s company, the Trump Organization, inflated the values of skyscrapers, golf courses and other holdings in order to receive loans, insurance and other benefits. Trump denied the allegations, saying it’s common in the real estate industry to seek the best valuations. The Republican dismissed the investigation as part of a politically motivated “witch hunt” by Democrats like James. Trump’s testimony came as he lays the groundwork for a possible run for the White House in 2024, but also faces increasing scrutiny over his conduct in the 2020 election. There are congressional investigations into his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and Georgia for his efforts to reverse his loss. Meanwhile, the Manhattan District Attorney oversees a criminal investigation that parallels James’ investigation. —— Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.
