A civil investigation into Trump’s private business dealings is underway. Here’s what you need to know.

What Happened:

The New York Attorney General’s Office has asked the State Supreme Court in Manhattan to enforce subpoenas against the Trump Organization and Eric Trump, who is now acting leader of his father’s company.

New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James, is investigating whether the Trump organization failed to pay taxes on forgiven debt totaling $100 million related to the Trump Tower in Chicago and misled investors by inflating assets on three other properties

So far, Eric Trump has refused to show up for his subpoenaed interviews. Additionally, the Trump Organization has refused to hand over some financial documents related to the case, which James launched 18 months ago. 

Why it Matters:

The Legal Case Against Trump is Mounting

Manhattan’s District Attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., is actively investigating payoffs made in 2016 to several women who allegedly had affairs with Trump. Vance is seeking eight years of Trump’s personal and corporate tax records in connection with the probe, indicating that its scope probably goes beyond the hush money payments. 

Even though the Supreme Court has rejected arguments from Trump's lawyers that a sitting president cannot be investigated, it is unlikely that these investigations will conclude before the election. 

James Promised to Investigate Trump During Her AG Campaign

James was elected as the New York Attorney General in 2018. In an interview shortly after taking office, she stated “We will use every area of the law to investigate President Trump and his business transactions and that of his family as well.” James has followed through on her promise on top of taking on the NRA. 

Eric Trump has accused James of taking politically-motivated action against the Trump Organization, including the timing with the Republican National Convention.