New York State civil inquiry

Letitia James, the New York attorney general, has been conducting a civil investigation into whether Mr. Trump and his family business, the Trump Organization, fraudulently inflated the value of his hotels, golf courses and other assets to obtain favorable loans.

Mr. Trump was deposed by lawyers from Ms. James’s office as part of the inquiry, but he declined to answer their questions, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The former president’s adult children — Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric — have also been deposed in the case.

Because Ms. James’s investigation is civil, she can sue Mr. Trump, but she cannot file criminal charges. She could also opt to pursue settlement negotiations in hopes of obtaining a swifter financial payout rather than file a lawsuit that would undoubtedly take years to resolve.