The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James released a video on Friday featuring former President Donald Trump during a deposition for the civil fraud lawsuit filed against him. In the video, Trump asserted that the case against him lacks merit and confidently stated that his political success is attributed to his renowned “brand.”
The lawsuit, filed by James, accuses Trump, his adult sons, and The Trump Organization of fraudulently inflating the value of their assets to secure more favorable bank loans and taxation deals. Originally seeking $250 million in damages, James increased the claim to $370 million, plus interest, citing new evidence that emerged during the trial.
The seven-hour deposition video, recorded behind closed doors on April 13, 2023, was released in response to media requests under New York’s Freedom of Information Law. In the footage, Trump estimated the worth of his “brand” at around “$10 billion” and emphasized its significance, asserting that it played a pivotal role in his presidential victory.
Trump defended himself against the allegations, stating that the banks he collaborated with had no complaints and that the entire case was “crazy.” He highlighted the profitability of the banks, questioning the basis of the lawsuit, which he suggested was being pursued on behalf of the banks.
Additionally, Trump explained his decision to place The Trump Organization into a trust after winning the 2016 election, expressing his desire to be viewed as a “legitimate president.” He also claimed to have added substantial value to the presidency, asserting that he potentially averted a nuclear war through his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
In the deposition, Trump stated, “I considered this the most important job in the world, saving millions of lives. I think you would have a nuclear holocaust if I didn’t deal with North Korea. I think you would have 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.”
