Legal pressure surrounding the Trump family intensified this week after leaked recordings involving Melania Trump were formally submitted to a federal judge overseeing an expanding financial investigation. Prosecutors described the tapes as “highly probative,” saying they were provided under subpoena by her former chief of staff, who retained internal documentation spanning more than two years.
Meanwhile, a bench warrant was issued for Ivanka Trump after she failed to comply with a grand jury summons tied to alleged financial irregularities involving inaugural fund transactions. Court filings state she was ordered to testify before a Manhattan grand jury about consulting agreements and payment structures linked to Trump-affiliated entities.
Prosecutors claim certain payments were routed through shell companies to obscure income and avoid reporting thresholds. The recordings reportedly reference divided payments and revised contracts. Defense attorneys argue the discussions reflect routine business practices, while prosecutors contend the broader pattern suggests potential intent to mislead investigators.
