The state Court of Appeals said there was no “substantive constitutional issue” to justify its intervention in the interim court’s decision last month to impose a summons on Trump’s testimony. The court also rejected a proposal by Trump’s lawyers to suspend the calls, saying it would be “academic” as it did not accept the former president’s appeal from the outset. Trump and his two eldest children, Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., agreed last week to take sworn in questions July 15 unless the Court of Appeals decides to intervene. A message asking for comment on Tuesday’s decision was sent to Trump’s lawyer. Alan Futerfas, a lawyer for Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., declined to comment. A message was also left with the representative of the General Prosecutor’s Office, Letitia James. The state court of first instance ruled on May 26 that Trump should be prosecuted, upholding a lower court ruling that James’s office had “a clear right” to question Trump and others in his company, Trump Organization. James said her three-year investigation revealed evidence that the Trump Organization was overestimating the value of assets, including skyscrapers, golf courses and even its Manhattan penthouse, for loans, insurance and tax breaks. An office lawyer told a judge last month that the evidence could support legal action against the former president, his company or both, although the lawyer said no decision had been made. Trump denounced the investigation as part of a “witch hunt” against him for political motives. The Morning and Afternoon Newsletters are compiled by Globe editors, giving you a brief overview of the day’s most important headlines. Register today.
